New leader for First Nations aged care reform

The federal government has appointed a new Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner, following the departure of inaugural commissioner Andrea Kelly, who has stepped down last month after two years in the role.

Senior public servant Jodi Cassar, a proud Kamilaroi/Gamilaroi woman with more than 20 years experience leading major government reforms, will oversee First Nations aged care policy as the government prepares to legislate a permanent commissioner later this year.

Born on Ngunnawal Country and now based on Worimi lands, Ms Cassar is currently acting First Assistant Secretary in the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. She has led national work on Australia’s Disability Strategy and coordinated cross‑government responses to the Disability Royal Commission.

In 2023, she received the Public Service Medal for her leadership during the Covid‑19 pandemic, including efforts to support people with disability and accelerate vaccine access for vulnerable communities.

Aged Care Minister Sam Rae said Ms Cassar’s experience would be vital as the government moves to embed the Royal Commission’s findings into long‑term reform.

“I want to thank Andrea Kelly for her service as Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner. Andrea set the standard for what this role can be, and the trust she built with communities in every part of Australia has shaped the foundations of First Nations aged care reform in this country,” he said.

“We’re delivering that permanently, and as we move through the legislative process, Jodi will be steering this work and making sure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are being heard.”

Andrea Kelly’s tenure marked the government’s response to Recommendation 49 of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which called for a statutory commissioner to ensure culturally safe, flexible and tailored aged‑care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

During her time in the role, Ms Kelly travelled extensively, meeting with Elders, families, carers and service providers across Australia. Her landmark report, Transforming Aged Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, identified significant barriers to accessing culturally safe care and set out a blueprint for reform. It recommended a 10‑year transformation plan co‑designed with First Nations communities, the establishment of a permanent commissioner and office, and 27 urgent priority actions.

“That depth of consultation, and the trust she has built with First Nations communities in every part of Australia, has shaped the foundations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged care reform,” Minister Rae said.

“Our government’s aged care reform is stronger for her work, and so is the sector.”

Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Rebecca White said ensuring culturally safe and respectful aged care for First Nations elders remained a priority.

“This role plays an important part in helping deliver better care and stronger outcomes for First Nations elders, their families and communities,” she said.

The government will now work with First Nations communities to finalise the design of the permanent commissioner role, with legislation expected to be introduced before the end of the winter sitting period.