Australia aged care scandals sparks national probe

Australia will launch a national inquiry into its scandal-plagued aged care sector, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Sunday, following numerous reports of abuse, neglect and mismanagement.

The announcement comes a year after a state-run dementia nursing home in South Australia state was shut when an investigation revealed horrific mistreatment of elderly residents over a 10-year period.

Since that scandal, the health department has closed almost one aged care service each month, while a growing number are failing to meet standards, Morrison said in a statement.

"Incidences of older people being hurt by failures of care simply cannot be explained or excused," he added.

"We must be assured about how widespread these cases are... there clearly remains areas of concern with regard to the quality and safety of aged care services."