The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Council (NATSIAACC) welcomes the opportunity to submit a submission in response to the proposed National Registration Scheme for Personal Care Workers in Aged Care.

This submission highlights the critical importance of embedding cultural safety, community leadership, and self-determination in all aspects of Aged Care workforce reform. NATSIAACC advocates for a scheme that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workers and Communities—ensuring that care is not only professional and consistent but culturally respectful and grounded in traditional knowledge.

Our recommendations focus on flexible and inclusive registration design, Community-led training frameworks, recognition of prior learning and cultural knowledge, and equitable support for remote and under-resourced Aged Care Providers. The submission also addresses the need for strong data sovereignty protections, culturally safe public registers, and pathways that empower Elders, Older People, and the workforce alike.

Read the full submission to explore how a culturally responsive registration scheme can enhance aged care services and uplift Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities across Australia.

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