During a hearing for aged care quality in Adelaide, Australia, the Royal commission encouraged whistleblowers to speak up on what they think about the country's performance in terms of caring for the aged.
On Friday, Royal commissioners Richard Tracey and Lynelle Briggs gave the audience a closer look into the aged care probe that has since gained the attention of concerned citizens.
According to The Guardian, Tracey urged the public to share their opinions on how they see the current aged care system. The commission is giving the public until mid-year to submit their insights, whether anonymous or named.
Tracey also shared his concern about potential issues that the probe will go through, including interference from government organizations or health care providers who want to stop the inquiry. "It would be unlawful for an employer to take punitive action against an employee or former employee who has assisted us," he said.
The Royal commissioner also noted that people who injure a witness are committing a criminal offense, further imploring that the commission will take action against such crimes.
This year's probe was initiated by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, following the emergence of complaints on negligence and abuse in some nursing homes.
So far, the commission has received over 300 public submissions after the inquiry was announced. Counsel assisting Peter Gray said most of the submissions centered on substandard care and staff ratios.
As submissions add up, Labor aged care spokeswoman, Julie Collins, some problems could stem from the lack of staff across nursing facilities in the country. "We want to make sure they are trained properly and have appropriate qualifications and that they're paid well," she explained.
Meanwhile, family members of elders who have complained of abuse are acting up as most of them weren't allowed to sit in during the highly-anticipated hearing.
ABC News reported that both family members and abused residents were refused entry into the main courtroom. A long line of people tried to get inside as security personnel controlled the number of people entering the courtroom.
Stewart Johnston, the son of a resident who was abused at an Oakden nursing facility, told the outlet that he was "extremely disappointed" by the treatment he and his family received from security.
A security guard reportedly told Johnston that attendees who were either resident of Oakden or family members of a resident were allowed to be in front of the line. However, they were later shut out of the main courtroom.
The Royal Commission has yet to comment on the alleged shutout of eager attendees.
