New aged care royal commissioner appointed

Former Federal Court judge Richard Tracey has been appointed to the aged care royal commission, after one of the commissioners pulled out for personal family reasons.

Mr Tracey, who retired from the bench after 12 years in August, will replace former WA Supreme Court Justice Joseph McGrath.

Mr Tracey will take on the position immediately, joining fellow Commissioner Lynelle Briggs.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said on Monday the appointment will have no impact on the time frame for the royal commission.

The commissioners will release an interim report into the aged care sector on October 31 next year, with a final report due on April 30, 2020.

The inquiry will be based in Adelaide, where shocking abuse of residents in the state government-run Oakden nursing home was first uncovered.

It will also undertake hearings around the country, and will take evidence via video.

The commissioners will look at the extent of below-par aged care, and how to improve services for disabled residents, including young people.

The royal commission will also look at dealing with dementia, people who want to live at home, and a sustainable funding model for care and facilities.

Ms Briggs was CEO of Medicare Australia and served as the APS boss for five years.