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ALA calls for royal commission complaints review
The Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA) has called for an examination of the existing complaints process and determine how complaints can result in system change as part of the aged care royal commission.
Grace Ormsby
In welcoming the inquiry, the organisation recommends terms of reference should focus on the complains mechanism currently in use and examine how complaints can be more effective in changing policy.
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National president of the ALA Noor Blumer said aged care residents are “some of the most vulnerable people in our society”, facing “significant barriers to accessing justice and making meaningful complaints regarding their treatment”.
“When complaints are made it seems they are failing to result in systemic change and widespread improvement in practices,” she said.
“Creating better access for aged care residents to make complaints and seek remedies for negligence is likely to serve as a deterrent to negligent behaviour. Drawing attention to problems should also help prevent others suffering in the same way.”
Despite alarming reports of negligent behaviour, Ms Blumer said it is very uncommon for legal action to be taken against aged care facilities.
