Aged care regulation will be under new leadership from January 20, 2025, following the appointment of Liz Hefren-Webb as the new Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner.
This significant role will see Ms Hefren-Webb take charge as the head of the national regulator for aged care, tasked with ensuring the safety and well-being of older Australians accessing government-funded aged care services.
Key roles of the Commission include resolving complaints, providing accreditation, monitoring compliance, administering the Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) and regulating aged care workers, volunteers and governing persons under the Code of Conduct.
Ms Hefren-Webb brings to the role an extensive background in social policy, having served as the Deputy Secretary, Social Policy, at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Her career also includes senior leadership positions at the Department of Social Services and other Australian Government agencies.
Her experience with complex regulatory frameworks, particularly during her involvement in the National Redress Scheme and the management of responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, showcases her capability in stakeholder engagement and strategic decision-making.
“I congratulate Ms Hefren-Webb for being appointed to this position. She will be tasked with the enormous job of upholding the health, safety and well-being of older people,” Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) Chief Executive Officer Craig Gear said.
“This appointment comes at a pivotal time in the aged care sector as we move towards a rights-based Aged Care Act in 2025.”
The outgoing Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner is Janet Anderson PSM. Ms Anderson, the inaugural Commissioner, was appointed to the role in 2019. She can only serve a five-year term in the position.
Ms Anderson has over 20 years of experience in health and aged care policy, strategy and planning. Before joining the Commission at its formation, she held roles with the New South Wales, Northern Territory and Federal governments.
She took on the role following the tumultuous Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing aged care reform also added to the complexities of an already high-pressure job.
With her background, Ms Hefren-Webb is expected to bring a meticulous approach to regulation, potentially leading to more stringent checks and balances within aged care facilities.
Workers should anticipate an environment where compliance with quality standards is rigorously monitored.
“I am honoured to have the opportunity to contribute to making aged care services better for older people in Australia,” she shared.
“This is a pivotal time for the aged care sector and those who access aged care services as the new Aged Care Act, that has older people at the centre, begins from 1 July 2025. I look forward to leading the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission through this time of change.
“Through effective regulation of the aged care sector, I am confident that Australia’s aged care system will protect the health, safety and wellbeing of older people now and into the future.”
Her appointment signals a continued commitment to improving the quality of care and safety protocols. Aged care workers could see new initiatives aimed at professional development, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the new standards under the new Aged Care Act.
Meanwhile, the outgoing Commissioner, Ms Anderson, has been recognised by the Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells for her leadership during significant change. Ms Hefren-Webb’s tenure will build on these foundations.
“Ms Liz Hefren-Webb’s strong leadership skills and knowledge of social policy will help us continue to protect older Australians,” Minister Wells said.
“I thank Ms Janet Anderson PSM for her commitment to providing excellent leadership of the Commission for the past six years, through a time of major change and challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I look forward to working with Liz as she leads the Commission through the delivery of the new Aged Care Act, a new regulatory environment, strengthened Quality Standards and beyond.”
Aged care workers should prepare for a period of transition and possibly increased scrutiny as the sector moves towards a more rights-based approach under the new Aged Care Act.
Engaging with the new Commissioner’s initiatives, participating in training, and staying informed about changes in policy and practice will be key to navigating this new era effectively.
Ms Hefren-Webb’s role will be instrumental in driving the sector towards a future where care standards are not only met but exceeded, ensuring the dignity and well-being of every older Australian.
“I look forward to working with Ms Hefren-Webb in the new year to ensure the voices of older people are at the core of our national regulator’s focus,” Mr Gear added.
I hope some changes are made to make aged care facilities more accountable for the care of our elderly. I was expecting when I put my mother into a home owned by Blue Care/Uniting Church she would be cared for without constant worry. I unfortunately could no longer care for her after a stroke which left her in a wheelchair. I also had carer burnout and was struggling with health issues. Unfortunately, this was not the case, I was also told you have to constantly be checking which I am having to do. Unfortunately, I am unable to drive and get there daily like some family have to do to make sure their parents are eating properly. Before the stroke, I had removed Mum from one Blue Care facility after just 6 weeks due to lack of care and had her home for another 7 months which wore me out again.