NATSIAACC is supporting and advocating for the establishment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Commissioner with the role to be established permanently in statute.

NATSIAACC consulted with its Members which are largely aged care providers to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people as well as other health and aged care peak organisations and stakeholders.

Click here to download a copy of NATSIAACC’s submission.

NATSIAACC’s recommendations are:

• The Commissioner is to be located in an independent office.
• The Commissioner is to be seperate from the Department of Health and Aged Care (System Governor), the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and the Inspector-General of Aged Care.
• The Commissioner role to be fully funded and resourced to continue its current engagement and advocacy, including the current face-to-face consultations with Elders, older people, carers, families, communities and aged care providers. Also, should be fully funded for expansion to continue to meet increasing needs and fulfil its functions.
• The Commissioner must be able to hold its own administrative and financial powers and functions, and delegate those powers and functions internally.
• That further consultation should be conducted with communities to co-design the most appropriate and culturally safe structure for the Office of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Commissioner.