No conflict of interest for Aged Care Commissioner
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has assured older consumers that the temporary Aged Care Commissioner has no conflict of interest.
Her comments came in response to concerns raised by the Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association of New South Wales (CPSA) and Aged Care Crisis about Professor John Kelly’s temporary appointment last month.
The consumer groups said Professor Kelly had an inherent conflict of interest because he is a ‘non-executive’ director of private aged care provider, Riviera Health.
But the minister said that Professor Kelly had taken appropriate steps to ensure his impartiality.
“Professor Kelly has provided me with documentation stating he [has] taken a formal leave of absence from all aged care work,” said Mrs Elliot.
“As is the case with past and future commissioners, the conflict of interest requirements [require] both the minister and the department to be advised should any conflict arise.”
The CPSA and Aged Care Crisis went public with their concerns after a member of the public notified them that Professor Kelly was listed as a ‘non-executive’ on Riviera Health’s website.
They have called for someone at arm’s length of the provider sector in aged care to ensure that the role is not compromised.
Mrs Elliot said a merit selection process is currently being conducted to find the next full time commissioner.
