On 15 October 2026, the Australian Parliament passed legislation to establish the permanent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Commissioner. It received Royal Assent on 26 October 2026, becoming law. The provisions establishing the permanent Commissioner will take effect on 1 July 2027.
This is an important step towards a permanent, independent voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and older people in aged care. The Commissioner will have an independent role established by law within the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
Work is now focused on appointing the permanent Commissioner and preparing the permanent office, so both are ready for 1 July 2027.
Planning for the permanent Commissioner and office
Throughout October, the office continued preparing for the permanent Commissioner and office. This included planning the appointment and recruitment process, clarifying the role, and considering how the future office will operate, including staffing and the transition to the permanent office.
These preparations will help the permanent Commissioner begin with clear priorities, strong relationships and practical support. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander views continue to shape this work.
Advisory Working Group
The Advisory Working Group continued its work in October to bring the voices of Elders and older people more strongly into its advice. Nominations for 2 lived experience representative positions are now complete. The people appointed to these positions will bring complementary perspectives, drawing on their cultural knowledge, community connections and lived experience.
In November 2026, the group will discuss recruitment for the permanent Commissioner. Members will advise on making the process culturally safe and accessible. Their advice will help shape the recruitment materials and approach, so they reflect community priorities and the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and older people.
Engagements and speaking events
Throughout October, the Interim Commissioner met with Elders and older people, communities, providers and organisations. She listened to their experiences and discussed how aged care can better meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
At the National Aged Care Provider Conference in Brisbane, hosted by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, the Interim Commissioner led a pre-conference session on shared decision-making and the right to culturally safe care. Participants explored ways to put Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices at the centre of care decisions and make cultural safety part of everyday care. They also considered practical steps their organisations could take and who could support them. The Interim Commissioner joined further discussions on culturally safe aged care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and older people.
Later in the month, the Interim Commissioner visited Perth and the Kimberley, where she attended and presented at the annual Broome Elders Forum, led by Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Corporation. More than 100 people attended, including Elders, older people and aged care providers.
This year’s theme was “Our Elderly Matter Every Day – Respect and Acknowledgement”. The forum focused on the wisdom of Elders and older people, what matters most to them, and healthy ageing and wellbeing. It explored how listening can lead to action that strengthens communities for Elders and older people.
In Broome, the Interim Commissioner met with Elders and older people, Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, aged care providers and local organisations. She heard directly about experiences of ageing and accessing aged care in the Kimberley. These conversations highlighted the importance of culturally safe, community-led care and strong community connections.
She also met with Broome Aboriginal Medical Service and Kimberley Community Legal Services to discuss what supports service delivery in regional and remote communities, and the challenges services face.
The Interim Commissioner also brought First Nations perspectives to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Advisory Council’s discussions on cultural safety and regulation. This is part of her role in helping shape change across the aged care system.
Message from the Interim Commissioner
“October marked an important step towards a permanent, independent voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and older people in aged care. Parliament passed the legislation to establish the permanent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Commissioner. It has received Royal Assent and is now law, with the provisions establishing the permanent Commissioner taking effect on 1 July 2027.
“There is still much to do before the permanent Commissioner and office begin. My office is preparing for the appointment process and putting practical support in place for a strong start. Our Advisory Working Group is helping shape these preparations, bringing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, cultural authority and lived experience to this work.
“My time in Western Australia was another opportunity to listen to Elders and older people, communities and organisations. These conversations highlighted how experiences of aged care differ across Australia, and why understanding those differences matters. They help us work towards culturally safe care that people can access and that meets community needs.
“Thank you to everyone who has shared their time, knowledge and experiences with me and my office. As we prepare for the permanent Commissioner and office, we will keep listening and working alongside communities.
