A new watchdog set to put the aged care industry under the microscope won’t be up and running until next year.

The Federal Government is defending the length of time it will take to establish the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission which will ensure the welfare of elderly patients.

Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt tells Chris Smith the delay is necessary.

“We want to ensure that the legislation that we have to make amendments to is done in a way that we don’t have loopholes.”

Mr Wyatt says the reforms will see audits at aged care facilities without notice.

“In my mind… if you’re doing the job well, you operate that way 365 days of a year.”

Chris has backed the reforms, saying warning facilities about upcoming inspections has “never worked”.

“Just like a speeder comes up to a speeding camera on a motorway and slows down for that 15-second ride and then the rest of the time puts the pedal to the metal.”

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