Government response to interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner's Report

Today the Albanese Labor Government has released its response to the Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner's landmark report, Transforming Aged Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The report has been shaped by deep consultation. The inaugural Interim Commissioner,

Andrea Kelly, visited communities right across the country, sat down with Elders, families, carers and providers, and listened. 

The Government's response is grounded in what they said, as well as our own engagement with communities, providers and Elders themselves.

Much of the work on the priorities the report identifies is already underway, and it is being done in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. But there is more work to do.

The Government is investing to strengthen Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, grow the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged care workforce, and work with community to co-design care that is culturally safe, culturally appropriate, trauma aware and healing informed.

This work is guided by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Framework 2025 to 2035, developed and delivered in partnership with the sector. It is a living framework, built in genuine consultation with community, and it will keep evolving as new priorities emerge.

In a key milestone towards meeting the Report’s recommendations, legislation to establish a permanent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Commissioner was introduced into Parliament today. 

The Commissioner will be an independent voice for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, connected to the parts of the system that drive change.

While the legislation goes through the Parliament and an appointment process for the permanent Commissioner is underway, Ms Jodi Cassar PSM has been appointed as the new Interim Commissioner to continue the important work of engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to deliver better aged care.

We know there is more to do – and we are committed to keep working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and the sector to get it right.

To view the Government’s response, visit the Department’s website.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae MP:

"This response is about listening and acting on what we heard. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities told the Interim Commissioner what they need as they age. We listened, and we're responding.

"The best solutions are designed with communities, not handed down to them. That's how this work has been done, in partnership, and that's how we'll keep doing it.

"We want every older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person to have access to care that is culturally safe, trauma aware and healing informed, close to family, community and Country.

"A permanent, independent Commissioner is an important milestone, but it's not the finish line. There's more to do, and we'll do it together with First Nations communities."