Senate Community Affairs References Committee - Adelaide, SA [Part 1] (part 1 of 2)

23 August 2026

Senate Community Affairs References Committee Australian Parliament

18:50 - 20:38
Speaker 1
Good morning everyone.  I declare open this hearing of the Senate Community Affairs References Committee's inquiry into the Supported Home Program.  I begin by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet and pay my respects to their elders past and present.  And I extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today.  The committee will be conducting today's hearing in person and via video conference. 

I am Senator Penny Allman-Payne, chair of the committee, and I have with me Senators Antic and Ananda-Rajah and Senator Ruston via video conference. 

These are public proceedings being video streamed live via the Parliament's website and a Hansard transcript is being made.  I remind all witnesses that in giving evidence to the committee they are protected by parliamentary privilege.  It is unlawful for anyone to threaten or disadvantage a witness on account of evidence given to a committee and such action may be treated by the Senate as a contempt.  It is also a contempt to give false or misleading evidence.  Witnesses also have a right to request to be heard in camera. 

If a witness objects to answering a question they should state the ground upon which the objection is made and the committee will determine whether it will insist on an answer having regard to the ground which is claimed.  If the committee determines to insist on an answer a witness may request that the answer be given in camera.  I remind senators of their obligations under the behavior code for Australian parliamentarians to treat witnesses with dignity, courtesy, fairness and respect.  And I remind committee members and witnesses who are appearing via teleconference and who are not speaking to mute their microphones.  I now welcome Mr. Ian Yates, former acting Inspector-General of Aged Care. 

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