Australia's aged care industry says it doesn't fear the scrutiny coming its way as a federal government royal commission examines the quality of care across the country.
The near year-long inquiry will kick off in Adelaide on Friday, after being sparked in part by the shocking abuse uncovered at the South Australian government-run Oakden nursing home.
It will examine the extent of sub-standard care, like that exposed at Oakden, and will consider how services can be improved.
Aged and Community Services Australia, which represents providers of residential and home care services, says it is committed to working with the commission to address issues and restore public confidence in Australia's aged care system
"The aged care sector does not fear scrutiny or accountability," chief executive Pat Sparrow said.
"We have zero tolerance for abuse and neglect where it occurs, and we are committed to continuous improvement to address problems as they arise."
Ms Sparrow said the industry recognised that "things can and do go wrong" but believed the majority of care provided to older Australians was of high quality and delivered by a community of passionate and caring aged care professionals.
But one of the Oakden whistleblowers, Stewart Johnston, said he expected the royal commission to reveal the ugly truths about what was happening in some aged care facilities.
"I've been privy to some horrendous stories, and that's continued for the past two years," Mr Johnston told AAP.
"I know for a fact we haven't heard the worst yet."
Mr Johnston's mother Helen was a patient at Oakden which was closed after its poor care and abuse were revealed.
Investigations found failures in clinical governance as well as incidents of rough handling of patients, excessive use of restraints and a high level of injuries.
Ms Sparrow said her group would make the case during the commission that caring for older Australians was a collective responsibility.
"The nation needs to have a hard conversation about the care we want to provide to older Australians, and what must be done to make that possible," she said.
The commission will be based in Adelaide but will hold public hearings across the country.
Its terms of reference require it to 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.
When details were announced Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia should brace for some "difficult stories" but believed the investigation could rebuild trust.
