Gaping holes in preparedness for COVID-19 have been revealed as the Royal Commission in aged care continues.

The inquiry is currently examining the response of nursing homes to COVID-19 which has claimed the lives of almost 200 residents so-far.

Aged care Minister Richard Colbeck has been forced to defend the government’s approach to the sector after evidence was presented to the Commission which suggests a lack of attention and dysfunction between federal and state governments has lead to providers not being properly equipped to handle the pandemic.

Speaking with Gareth Parker on Mornings Advocare CEO Diedre Timms says the evidence has highlighted how badly a lack of funding has impacted the sector and says there needs be to accountability for the number of Australians dying of COVID-19 in aged care.

“There should be consequences… and an inquiry into this but I want things to happen now before it gets to another residential facility or before the outbreak spreads elsewhere and we can’t manage it,” she said.

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