Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner appointed

A woman in the foreground, smiling at the camera. She has long dark hair and is wearing a light-coloured turtleneck. In the background, there are several flags displayed on flagpoles. There is also a framed piece of artwork that seems to be of Aboriginal design, with circular patterns and a warm, earthy colour palette.

Andrea Kelly has been appointed as the Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner.

Ms Kelly is a proud Warumungu and Larrakia woman, with strong family connections throughout the Northern Territory.

She has enjoyed a 30 plus year career engaging with First Nations communities and developing public policy for First Nations populations.

As interim First Nations Aged Care ­­­­Commissioner, she will help ensure culturally safe, tailored and flexible aged care services for First Nations people, including by:

  • leading public consultation with First Nations stakeholders and communities about the design and functions of the permanent Commissioner
  • contributing to improvements for First Nations people across the aged care system
  • advocating and promoting culturally safe aged care for First Nations people across Australia.

Improving aged care for older First Nations peoples is a priority for the Australian Government.

Ms Kelly’s appointment is a first step in addressing Recommendation 49 of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which recommended a statutory First Nations Aged Care Commissioner to ensure culturally safe, tailored and flexible aged care services for First Nations people.

Find out more about aged care support for First Nations Peoples.


Let's change aged care, together

Every Australian should feel confident about accessing high quality and safe aged care, when and where they need it.

The changes mean Older people will have greater choice and control, services that respect and meet their needs, and support to stay independent as they age.

To find out more and help design the changes, visit the Get Involved page or call 1800 318 209.

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The Department of Health and Aged Care acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to elders both past and present.