New Aged Care Complaints Commissioner appointed

Commencing 1 November, Treasure Jennings has been appointed as the new Aged Care Complaints Commissioner.

Helping older Australians, their families and carers to understand how to make a complaint, and how those complaints will be managed and resolved under the new Act, the Complaints Commissioner will play a key role in the aged care regulatory and governance system.

“When developing the Aged Care Act we heard clear feedback on the need for an independent Complaints Commissioner. I am delighted to announce the appointment of Ms Treasure Jennings to the Complaints Commissioner role,” Australia’s Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae said.

“This appointment brings us one step closer to the rights-based, person-centred aged care system that’s safer and fairer for everyone.”

Jennings has a proven track record in leading consumer complaints and dispute resolution, the government said, including as the Victorian Mental Health Complaints Commissioner and Disability Services Commissioner.

The government also said: “Ms Jennings is committed to guiding the community through the transition to the new Act and working alongside Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner Ms Liz Hefren-Webb, to help respond to failures in aged care service delivery and enable older people, their families and carers to pursue complaints.”

Complaints can be made directly to the office of the Complaints Commissioner. Anyone can make a complaint to the Commission online or call 1800 951 822.

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