On Close the Gap Day (19 March), AAG is calling for the establishment of a permanent First Nations Aged Care Commissioner.
In line with Recommendation 49 of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, we believe this role is a vital step towards achieving the four priority areas of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap - particularly as they relate to Elders and Older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
A permanent First Nations Aged Care Commissioner would strengthen shared decision-making in ageing (Priority 1) and support the transformation of government systems (Priority 2).
The work of Interim Commissioner Andrea Kelly has clearly demonstrated the value of this role, including through strong engagement with the Aboriginal Community Controlled sector and contributions to building sector capacity in aged care.
We sincerely thank Commissioner Kelly for her outstanding leadership, her engagement with AAG, and her ongoing commitment to improving aged care outcomes and experiences for Elders and Older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
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Pictured: Commissioner Kelly (centre) with former AAG President, Dr Claudia Meyer (left) and AAG CEO Renu Borst (right) at AAGConf24 in Hobart.