29/08/2025
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Council (NATSIAACC) has made a formal submission to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s Draft Regulatory Strategy 2025–2026.
Our submission calls for cultural safety to be embedded as a core regulatory principle, alongside rights and risk, and for Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to be recognised as formal regulatory partners. We also recommend stronger oversight from Elders and Older People, equity-based supervision models, and mandatory public reporting on outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Older People.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Older People are not just aged care recipients—they are cultural leaders, knowledge holders and the heart of our families and communities. The regulatory system must reflect this by embedding their voices, authority and cultural rights at every level.