Aged Care Complaints Investigation Scheme Introduced

People in the Northern Territory who receive Australian Government-subsidised aged care will now have a new and better way of having concerns and complaints dealt with, the Member for Solomon, Mr David Tollner MP said today.

"I welcome the introduction of the new Aged Care Complaints Investigation Scheme,” Mr Tollner said.

"Aged Care Complaints Investigation Scheme can be contacted by anybody – someone who is receiving care, a family member or friend, a volunteer, an aged care worker, a GP or an interested member of the community.

"If anyone in the Northern Territory sees something that isn't quite right, in any area where they think the aged care standards set by the Australian Government are not being met, they can voice their concerns anonymously,” Mr Tollner said.

The Aged Care Complaints Investigation Scheme, within the new Office of Aged Care Quality and Compliance, has been designed to better protect older people who are in Australian Government-subsidised aged care.

The new scheme is part of a package of Australian Government reforms to protect older Australians receiving government-subsidised residential and community care services. The Coalition Government has introduced standards and accreditation in aged care and this is part of the continuing commitment to ensure safety and quality in aged care services.

People can contact the Aged Care Complaints Investigation Scheme on freecall 1800 550 552.

2007-05-02