Interim commissioner to work for better aged care for First Nations' elders

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.

Ms Kelly will undertake a range of key functions, including leading public consultations with First Nations stakeholders and communities about the design and functions of the permanent Commissioner; contributing to the changes necessary to bring improvements for First Nations people across all tiers of the aged care system; and advocating for and promoting culturally safe, aged care for First Nations people across Australia.

Ms Kelly, a proud Warumungu and Larrakia woman, with strong family connections throughout the Northern Territory, has 32 years of experience engaging with First Nations communities and developing public policy for First Nations populations.

Ms Kelly comes to the role from the National Indigenous Australians Agency and is particularly proud of her leadership for the establishment of the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme.

The First Nations Aged Care Commissioner is expected to be appointed in 2025.

"Improving aged care for First Nations people and making sure they have access to culturally safe and tailored aged care services is a key reform priority for the Albanese Government, said Aged Care Minister Anika Wells.

Ms Kelly said she was delighted to accept the role of Interim Commissioner and for the opportunity to advocate for and work directly with First Nations people regarding their aged care needs.

"It is an honour to serve First Nations Elders, their families, friends and community to make sure they can access culturally safe, high quality aged care when and where they need it," she said.