SIRS Decision Making Tool: How It Works and How to Use It Correctly
Quick answer: The SIRS decision making tool — officially called the SIRS Decision Support Tool — is the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s free online tool that helps aged care providers decide whether an incident must be reported under the Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS), and whether it’s a Priority 1 incident (report within 24 hours) or a Priority 2 incident (report within 30 days). It asks a short series of questions about what happened and returns a clear classification. This guide explains exactly how it works, who must use it, and how Superior Care Group applies it in practice.
What Is the SIRS Decision Making Tool?
The tool most people search for as the “SIRS decision making tool” is officially named the SIRS Decision Support Tool by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, who first launched it on 1 October 2021. Both names refer to the exact same free, publicly available tool — it walks aged care staff through a short sequence of questions about an incident and returns a clear classification: Priority 1, Priority 2, or not reportable.
The SIRS decision making tool sits inside the broader Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) framework, which sets out exactly what aged care providers must do when something goes wrong — how to prevent incidents, respond to them, report them, and learn from them. It was extended from residential aged care to cover CHSP, Home Care Packages, and other home and community settings from 1 December 2022, and now operates under the Aged Care Act 2024 and the Aged Care Rules 2025.
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How the SIRS Decision Making Tool Works
The SIRS decision making tool asks a short, structured series of questions about what occurred, the level of harm or risk involved, and whether there is any suspected criminal conduct. Based on the answers given, it returns one of three outcomes:
It’s important to understand what the tool is — and isn’t. The Commission is explicit that the SIRS decision making tool provides general guidance only, not legal advice. It supports professional judgement; it does not replace it. Staff still act in the resident’s best interests first, and use the tool to confirm — not determine — their reporting obligations.
The 8 Reportable Incident Categories Under SIRS
Under the Aged Care Act 2024, eight categories of incident are reportable under SIRS:
- Unreasonable use of force
- Unlawful sexual contact or inappropriate sexual conduct
- Psychological or emotional abuse
- Unexpected death
- Stealing or financial coercion
- Neglect
- Inappropriate use of restrictive practices (including unlawful restraint)
- Unexplained absence from care
The 24-hour or 30-day clock starts the moment a provider becomes aware of the incident — not once paperwork is finished, and not once an investigation is complete. This is one of the most common points of confusion: providers must submit the initial notification within the deadline even if the full investigation is still ongoing, and can update the report later as more information comes to light. A separate final report is then required within 60 days of the initial notification.
Step-by-Step: Using the SIRS Decision Making Tool
Common Mistakes Providers Make With the SIRS Decision Making Tool
The clock starts the moment staff become aware — not once an investigation concludes. A preliminary notification within the deadline, updated later, is correct practice.
Staff often worry about “getting it wrong.” Early, decisive use of the tool — with detail added as the picture becomes clearer — is far better than delaying a Priority 1 decision out of caution.
Without consistent training, the same type of incident can be classified differently by different staff. Regular scenario drills and quick-reference guides keep decisions consistent.
Many providers correctly submit the initial Priority 1 or Priority 2 notification but lose track of the separate 60-day final report requirement — building this into the incident management workflow from day one avoids this gap.
Priority Calls in Real-World Situations
Treated as urgent in every case. The provider’s search procedure is activated, police are notified where reasonable, and it’s reported as Priority 1 within 24 hours.
If serious harm occurred or could reasonably occur, it’s Priority 1; otherwise the tool may indicate Priority 2. Either way, injuries are treated and the matter is investigated.
Usually Priority 1 due to suspected criminal conduct and risk of serious harm. Police notification is considered, and trauma-informed support is provided immediately.
Always treated as Priority 1. Clinical and coronial processes are followed, the Commission is notified within 24 hours, and family communication is handled with particular sensitivity.
Frequently Asked Questions — SIRS Decision Making Tool
What is the SIRS decision making tool?
The SIRS decision making tool — officially the SIRS Decision Support Tool — is a free tool published by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. It asks a short series of questions about an incident and helps providers decide whether it’s reportable, and whether it’s Priority 1 (24-hour) or Priority 2 (30-day).
How quickly must serious incidents be reported?
Priority 1 incidents must be reported to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission within 24 hours of the provider becoming aware. Priority 2 incidents must be reported within 30 days. A final report covering the full investigation is required within 60 days of the initial notification.
Does the SIRS decision making tool replace professional judgement?
No. The Commission is explicit that the tool provides general guidance only, not legal advice. Staff use it to support, not replace, professional judgement — always acting in the resident’s best interests first.
What incidents are reportable under SIRS?
Eight categories are reportable: unreasonable use of force, unlawful sexual contact or inappropriate sexual conduct, psychological or emotional abuse, unexpected death, stealing or financial coercion, neglect, inappropriate use of restrictive practices, and unexplained absence from care.
What happens if my loved one goes missing from an aged care facility?
A proper search procedure is activated immediately, police are notified where reasonable, and the incident is reported to the Commission as Priority 1 within 24 hours. Families should expect continuous, compassionate communication throughout.
Why This Matters Beyond Compliance
The SIRS decision making tool is more than a compliance aid — it’s a practical framework that protects residents and maintains trust between providers and families. Using it early, documenting every step, and following the correct reporting timelines ensures no concern goes unnoticed and no delay puts someone’s safety at risk. Each report submitted also contributes to a national learning system that improves aged care standards across Australia.
At Superior Care Group, our teams at Wellington Park in Wellington Point, South East Brisbane, and Merrimac Park on the Gold Coast use the SIRS decision making tool as a genuine safeguard, not a formality. Quality care means acting quickly, communicating clearly, and treating every family as part of our own — whether the matter is a small concern or a serious incident.
Questions About Safety and Incident Reporting?
We’re happy to talk through how we keep residents safe.
Wellington Park — Wellington Point, Brisbane South East | (07) 3822 1876
Merrimac Park — Merrimac, Gold Coast | (07) 5618 1111
