The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Council (NATSIAACC) strongly supports the recommendation put forward in the 2025 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led Independent Review of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap for the inclusion of a dedicated target for Elders and Older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Review highlights the urgent need for a “whole of life” approach within the National Agreement and points to the growing gap between Closing the Gap efforts and the realities facing ageing community members. NATSIAACC welcomes the recommendation to include an Elders and Older Persons target that prioritises access to culturally safe, high-quality aged care services and support systems.

“Elders are the knowledge holders and cultural anchors of our communities. Any national agenda that seeks to close the gap must also close the care and dignity gap facing our ageing people,” said NATSIAACC’s Acting CEO, Cassara Hardie.

“Too often, policies and programs fail to reflect the vital role Elders play in community wellbeing, and their care needs are not appropriately met by mainstream systems. A specific Closing the Gap target would bring visibility, accountability and much-needed investment in the health, housing, aged care and social support needs of older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”

The Review notes that integrating Aged Care into the National Agreement would ensure better monitoring, equity, and culturally appropriate services across all jurisdictions.

NATSIAACC urges all Parties to the Agreement – including the Commonwealth, state and territory governments, and the Coalition of Peaks – to prioritise this recommendation and begin co-designing the target in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and their representative organisations, like NATSIAACC.

“We must ensure our Elders live their later years with dignity, cultural security, and the support they deserve. Closing the Gap must mean closing it for everyone – across the entire life course,” Ms Hardie added.

 

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About NATSIAACC:

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Council (NATSIAACC) is the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care. NATSIAACC works to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Older People can access support and care that is culturally safe, trauma-aware and healing informed, and recognises the importance of their personal connections to Community, Country and/or Island Home.