The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Council (NATSIAACC) is calling on the Australian Government to immediately halt the transition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Older People to the new Aged Care Act, due to commence on 1 November 2025.

NATSIAACC has serious concerns that the proposed reforms are not culturally safe or appropriate and do not reflect the values, priorities or lived experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“Our Elders and Older People deserve aged care systems that are designed with us, by us, and for us,” said Cassara Hardie, Acting CEO. “Caring for our Elders is not just a service – it is a sacred cultural responsibility.”

NATSIAACC is urging the Government to:

• Halt the transition to the new Aged Care Act for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Older People.

• Commit to genuine co-design with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

• Embed NATSIAACC’s Cultural Safety in Aged Care definition into legislation.

• Develop a distinct, culturally safe aged care pathway.

NATSIAACC remains committed to working in partnership with Government to ensure aged care systems uphold cultural safety, self-determination, and the dignity of our Elders and Older People.

Click here to download a copy of NATSIAACC’s Position Statement