Aged care providers must notify the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) when reportable incidents under the Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) occur.

There are 8 types of reportable incidents that must be reported.

The 8 types of reportable incidents under SIRS are:

• Unreasonable use of force
• Unlawful sexual contact or inappropriate sexual conduct
• Neglect
• Psychological or emotional abuse
• Unexpected death
• Stealing or financial coercion by a staff member
• Inappropriate use of restrictive practices
• Unexplained absence from care

Reporting timeframes depend on:

• The type of reportable incident
• The level of injury and/or discomfort to the person in care
• Whether the incident is to be reported to the police.

Priority 1 reportable incidents must be reported to the ACQSC within 24 hours of the provider becoming aware of the incident. Priority 2 reportable incidents must be reported within 30 days.

If an incident is of a criminal nature, it must also be reported to the police within 24 hours of becoming aware of the incident. An example is sexual assault. If you’re unsure whether an incident is criminal, it’s best to report it to the police.

Further information about the SIRS, reportable incidents and reporting timeframes can be found on the Australian Government's Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission website.

Reporting Abuse

Aged Care Providers must report incidents by logging into the My Aged Care Service and Support portal.

Community members, including aged care workers, can report incidents by contacting the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

• Phone: 1800 951 822
• Completing the online complaints form
• Write a letter to: Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, GPO Box 9819, in your capital city.