The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Council (NATSIAACC) provided a detailed submission on the Aged Care Rules – Release 4b, calling for stronger recognition of cultural safety, self-determination, and Aboriginal-led service delivery in the aged care system.

Our submission identifies critical gaps in the proposed rules, particularly around culturally unsafe assessment tools, administrative burdens on Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), and mainstream-centric governance models. We recommend reforms that centre Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Older People by embedding cultural governance, enabling flexible entry pathways, and strengthening the role of ACCOs.

Key priorities include:

• Recognition of cultural authority in assessments and decision-making

• Culturally safe, trauma aware and healing informed care standards

• ACCO-led governance and flexible compliance mechanisms

• Aboriginal data sovereignty and inclusive digital systems

• Equitable and culturally appropriate funding arrangements

This submission reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring that Elders and Older People can age with dignity, connection to Country and/or Island Home, and access to services that are led by and for our communities.

Click here to download a copy of NATSIAACC’s Submission.