As the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care, NATSIAACC acknowledges the Australian Government’s response to Transforming Aged Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, the report of the former Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner Andrea Kelly. Released following the completion of Ms Kelly’s appointment, the Government’s response provides a strong foundation for the next phase of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care reform.

The report set out four overarching recommendations to create an Aged Care system designed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, not for them. The evidence and the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities that underpin these recommendations already exist. The challenge now is to turn them into meaningful and measurable change.

This marks a significant milestone for the next phase of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care reform. Attention must now turn to translating these reforms into practical improvements through culturally safe services, stronger Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander governance, improved access to Aged Care, and clear accountability so Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Older People experience better care and better outcomes.

The introduction of legislation to establish a permanent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Commissioner is a welcome step. To realise the intent of the report’s recommendations, the permanent Commissioner role must have genuine independence, authority and powers necessary to strengthen accountability. The 10-year transformational plan proposed in Recommendation 2 must be delivered as a dedicated, funded implementation commitment rather than being absorbed into existing frameworks.

NATSIAACC Chief Executive Officer, Kim Whiteley, said the next phase of reform must now deliver meaningful change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Older People.

“The roadmap is clear. The time for further reports has passed. Our success now depends on whether these reforms, delivered through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-led decision-making and consistent with the Closing the Gap Priority Reforms, make a meaningful difference in the everyday lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Older People.” Ms. Whiteley said,

“Success will not be measured by reports, legislation or policy commitments. It will be measured by whether Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Older People can age with dignity through culturally safe and trauma-informed care, with genuine choice and control, and connection to culture, community and Country or Island Home.”

NATSIAACC will continue to work alongside governments, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and partners across the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care ecosystem to help ensure these reforms deliver the outcomes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Older People deserve.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: Sam Harding, samh@natsiaacc.org.au

To download this media release, see the PDF version here: Government Response to Andrea Kelly’s Report, Time for Implementation, Not More Reports – July 2026