14/03/2025
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Council (NATSIAACC) has provided a submission on the Release 3 – Provider Obligations under Chapter 3 of the new Aged Care Act, highlighting key concerns and recommendations to ensure culturally safe, trauma-aware, and healing-informed aged care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Older Persons.
The submission critiques the proposed reforms for lacking enforceable cultural safety provisions, imposing rigid compliance requirements, and creating barriers to Indigenous-led service delivery.
NATSIAACC calls for amendments to embed cultural safety across all aspects of aged care, including governance, clinical care, food services, and restrictive practices. NATSIAACC also advocates for reduced administrative burdens, flexible workforce policies, and clearer reporting requirements to support sustainable, community-led aged care services. Without these structural changes, the proposed regulations risk failing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, Older Persons, and the providers dedicated to their care.