The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Council (NATSIAACC) is pleased to welcome the announcement of Andrea Kelly as interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner.

Ms Kelly is a Warumungu and Larrakia woman with decades of experience working in the interests of better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“The interim Commissioner role is incredibly important,” said Lisa Orcher, CEO of NATSIAACC.

“Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders are the glue within many of our communities, and they have laid the groundwork for much of the progress being made today. But there are many, many barriers that are stopping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from accessing aged care, or from receiving appropriate care if they do manage to achieve access,” said Ms Orcher.

“The interim and ongoing Commissioner roles will play a significant role in identifying and analysing these situations, and seeking solutions,” she said.

“NATSIAACC is supportive of the interim Commissioner and looks forward to working with Ms Kelly to achieve better outcomes,” said Ms Orcher.