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.

1:02

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

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

A second term for the council was announced in December 2023.

MembersPositionState
Anne Burgess AMChairSA
Professor Tom Calma AOCouncil memberACT
James CareyCouncil memberNSW
Aunty Lyn CullinaneCouncil memberQld
Gwenda DarlingCouncil memberNSW
Dr John DavisCouncil memberVic
Anna Harrison AMCouncil memberWA
Val Fell, OAMCouncil memberNSW
Gillian Groom, AOCouncil memberTas
Professor John McCallumCouncil memberACT
Julie RankinCouncil memberNT
Lynda WhitewayCouncil memberSA
Margaret Walsh OAMCouncil memberWA

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.
Date last updated:
Tags: