Aged Care Council of Elders

Older people have a formal voice to government on ageing and aged care through the members of the Aged Care Council of Elders.

Role

The Australian Government established the Aged Care Council of Elders in 2021 as an advisory body to the aged care reforms.

The Council of Elders provide a direct voice to government from older Australians.

The council talk to older people about changes being made to aged care and listen to their experiences. The council use this information to give independent advice to government about the aged care system and ageing well. They consider views from older people across Australia when providing advice to government.

Council consult with older people on a range of matters including:

  • aged care quality and safety
  • the needs of older people and their families and carers
  • the rights and dignity of older people.

Council advice targets key issues related to the aged care reforms.

We will publish opportunities to engage with the council on the Aged Care Engagement Hub.

The council report on the diverse issues, views, and perspectives of older people to the:

  • Minister for Health and Aged Care
  • Minister for Aged Care
  • Department of Health and Aged Care.

Read the Council of Elders terms of reference for more information.

Please note the terms of reference are currently under review. For more information, please email us.

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We are the Council of Elders. Our job is to listen to you about what really matters, when it comes to the changes being made to aged care.

And our job is to share what we hear, so that government can provide better aged care.

And aged care providers can deliver better care and support and services that meet your needs. Care and support that is all about you.

We have diverse background and areas of interest. We come from all around Australia. We want to talk to as many people as possible and be a voice for older people.

Let’s change aged care together.

Members

An update to the Council's 2025 membership was recently announced

Council members represent geographic and demographic diversity and engage with people across Australia.

Members Position State 
Anne Burgess AM Chair SA 
Dr Ponniah Anandajayasekeram PhD (Dr Ananda) Council member  VIC  
Associate Professor John Cullen Council member NSW 
Aunty Lyn Cullinane Council member Qld 
Gwenda Darling Council member NSW 
Dr John Davis Council member Vic 
Val Fell, OAM Council member NSW 
Gillian Groom, AO Council member Tas 
Anna Harrison AM Council member WA 
Mr William (Uncle Benny) Hodges Council member ACT 
Julie Rankin Council member NT 
Mr Russell Westacott Council member NSW 
Lynda Whiteway Council member SA 

To learn more about the Council of Elders and meet individual members, see the YouTube video playlist.

Meetings

The council will meet 6 times per year, or more frequently as required.

Communiques

Related committees or groups

The Chair of the Council of Elders is a member on the National Aged Care Advisory Council.  The advisory council provides expert advice to government on key matters relating to the aged care sector.

Contact

To keep up-to-date with the aged care reforms and the work of the council, visit the Aged Care Council of Elders Facebook page.

Aged Care Council of Elders contact

Contact us for more information or with questions on the Council of Elders.
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