NATSIAACC, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Council, acknowledge the significant contribution of outgoing Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner, Warumungu and Larrakia woman, Andrea Kelly, during one of the most significant periods of Aged Care reform in decades.

Throughout an extended interim appointment, Ms. Kelly has played an important national leadership role in elevating the experiences, concerns and priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Older People within ongoing Aged Care reform implementation.

NATSIAACC acknowledges Ms. Kelly’s February 2025 report, Transforming Aged Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, as a significant national reform document grounded in direct engagement with Elders and Older People, communities, peak bodies and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations across Australia.

The report reinforces many of the longstanding issues consistently raised by Elders and Older People, communities, and the sector regarding culturally safe access, navigation, assessment and care across the Aged Care system. As broader reforms including Support at Home, assessment reform, workforce reform and culturally safe service design continue nationally, the report’s findings and recommendations should continue to inform future implementation and system design.

The role has also helped reinforce the importance of embedding First Nations leadership, perspectives and lived experience within the design and implementation of Aged Care reform nationally.

Ms. Kelly’s commitment to ensuring Elders and Older People across Country and Island Home can age with dignity through culturally safe and responsive Aged Care systems has been an important contribution to the progression of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care reform, says NATSIAACC CEO, Kim Whiteley.

“The genuine care Andrea has brought to the role of Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner has helped elevate the voices of Elders and Older People within national Aged Care reform discussions and implementation,” Ms. Whiteley said.

“We sincerely thank Andrea for her commitment to improving outcomes for our Elders and Older People and for continuing to advocate for a more culturally safe, accessible and equitable Aged Care system.”

“The issues raised throughout her report are not new concerns for our communities or the sector, and NATSIAACC now looks forward to seeing the report’s findings and recommendations appropriately reflected through ongoing reform implementation as broader Aged Care reforms continue nationally.”

NATSIAACC stands ready to continue working in partnership with the incoming First Nations Aged Care Commissioner, Government and the sector to support ongoing reform implementation and improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Older People.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: samh@natsiaacc.org.au