A plan to overhaul Australia’s aged care system has been included in the final report from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

The report, handed down on March 1, contains sweeping proposals to reform the sector through a new rights-based system, funding based on need, stronger governance and greater transparency.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the report provided a clear roadmap to improve respect and care for our older Australians.

“I called this Royal Commission to ensure our oldest and most frail Australians could receive the respect and care that supports their dignity, and recognises the contribution that they have made to society,” he said.

“I warned when I called the Royal Commission there will be stories that will be hard to hear.  And that has been the case. But at the same time, we have also heard heart-warming cases of dedication and with the challenges of COVID-19 in the past year, we need to acknowledge the hard work performed by our aged care workforce.”

The Federal Government has allocated $452.2 million to address immediate priorities in the sector.

The money will go towards residential aged care providers and will help build the much needed workforce of the future to support home-based care.

The Royal Commission lasted two years and included 10,500 submissions and accounts from 600 witnesses.