National report: Urgent reforms needed, based on extensive community consultation to improve aged care for elderly Indigenous Australians.
A new report, “Transforming Aged Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” has been released by Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner Andrea Kelly, calling for critical reforms to improve aged care for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The report, presented to the government, is based on extensive feedback gathered from older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their families and communities, service providers, and peak bodies. It paints a clear picture of the barriers they face in accessing appropriate aged care and proposes a path forward for a culturally safe and community-led system.
“The recommendations in my report are clear. I call on the Australian Government to accept and act on them,” stated Commissioner Kelly. “Without significant change including an equity-based approach, the aged care system will not meet the current or projected growth in demand of aged care services for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. I have outlined a plan to achieve this, which starts with genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
The report highlights the urgent need for reform, making clear that the current aged care system is not meeting the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. “I am hopeful the reforms underway will incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences and perspectives to meet their needs,” Kelly added. The report’s recommendations include a commitment to a transformation plan co-designed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and informed by the Priority Reforms under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. It also calls for the establishment of a permanent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commissioner and supporting office, independent and able to hold the aged care system accountable. In addition, the report outlines 27 urgent actions that the government should prioritise.
Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells acknowledged the importance of the report. “I welcome the report and its findings,” she said. “The Government is actively considering the recommendations and how they can be taken forward.” In recognition of the significance of this work, Minister Wells announced the extension of Ms Kelly’s role as Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner until June 2026. This extension will allow Ms Kelly to establish an office for the permanent Commissioner and continue her advocacy work. “I am pleased to extend Ms Kelly in the role of Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner until June 2026,” Minister Wells added. “Ms Kelly will continue to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and perspectives are incorporated in the reforms currently underway.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy also voiced her support for the report. “Ms Kelly’s commitment to making older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s voices heard is evident in the pages of this report,” she said. “Older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the heart of our communities, and it is important that we treat them with the respect and dignity that they deserve as they age.”
Alongside the main report, Commissioner Kelly has also released a Community Booklet, informed by conversations with older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who shared their experiences with aged care. “I would like to thank all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their families and communities, service providers, advocates and representatives who I met with throughout the year,” Kelly expressed. Both the report and the Community Booklet provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for improving aged care for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, emphasising the crucial role of their voices in shaping a more culturally appropriate and responsive system.
Also read: New program reduces Indigenous out-of-home care for children
Milton writes as both an occupation and a hazard. He also works on the newsletters you see on Tuesday and Thursday with articles you should find interesting.
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