Submission to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Bill Inquiry Final
FECCA’s submission to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Bill inquiry supports the establishment of the Commission as a central body for ensuring quality and resolving complaints in aged care. FECCA emphasises the importance of addressing the specific needs of Culturally And Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Australians in this framework. Calling for consumer engagement practices that include CALD individuals, especially those with low English proficiency, to ensure equitable access. FECCA also recommends empowering the Commission to investigate and address cases where providers misrepresent services or charge CALD consumers for free interpreting services, ensuring accountability and fairness in the sector.
The submission also stresses the need for greater transparency in aged care services, including the publication of staffing ratios, service prices, and quality performance metrics. FECCA advocates for increased site visits as part of the complaints resolution process to build trust among CALD communities, who often face barriers to lodging complaints. It urges greater representation of CALD groups on the Commission’s Advisory Council to ensure policies reflect the needs of vulnerable populations. These measures aim to improve equity, trust, and service quality in aged care, particularly for CALD consumers.
