Commencement of new Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner
Ms Jodi Cassar PSM started as Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner on 1 July 2026. She follows Ms Andrea Kelly, the first Interim Commissioner.
Ms Cassar is a proud Kamilaroi/Gamilaroi woman. She was born on Ngunnawal Country and has lived on Worimi lands for more than 40 years. She has more than 20 years’ experience leading complex reform across government. Her work focuses on practical leadership, community engagement and better outcomes for Australians.
Ms Cassar will remain Interim Commissioner while work continues to establish and appoint the first permanent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Commissioner.
Watch Ms Cassar’s introductory video to hear about her priorities for the next 12 months and how you can get involved in the work led by Ms Cassar and her Office.
Introduction of legislation to establish permanent Commissioner
On 1 July 2026, the Australian Government introduced legislation into Parliament to create a permanent, statutory Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Commissioner.
The permanent Commissioner will be an independent statutory role within the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. This means Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will have an independent voice close to the parts of the system that regulate aged care, support providers and build sector capability. This will help turn advocacy into practical action.
The Minister described this as a landmark moment. For the first time, older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will have a permanent, independent advocate inside the aged care system. You can read the Minister’s media release here: New Commissioner to improve culturally safe aged care | Health, Disability and Ageing Ministers.
The Bill will now move through the usual parliamentary process before it can become law. You can read the draft legislation and follow its progress see the: Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Commissioner and Other Measures) Bill 2026 – Parliament of Australia.
Government response to the former Interim Commissioner’s report
The Government has released its response to the recommendations in Ms Kelly’s Transforming Aged Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People report.
There is more work to do. The aged care system must deliver culturally safe, trauma aware and healing informed care. This care must meet the needs of all older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Government response is an important first step.
The response commits to reform, investment and working in partnership to improve access and outcomes for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Interim Commissioner and her Office will keep working with government and community to support these commitments and track progress.
NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Week is an annual celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures and contributions to Australia. NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. This year’s theme is "50 Years of Deadly". It marks 50 years since NAIDOC grew from one day to a full week. The theme celebrates the strength, pride and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.
In the spirit of "50 Years of Deadly", the Interim Commissioner and her Office acknowledge the Elders, leaders, advocates, activists, artists, individuals and communities who have sustained NAIDOC Week. Their work has kept NAIDOC Week grounded in culture and community. It remains a celebration of strength, pride, excellence, achievement and resilience.
Engagements and speaking events
In July, the Interim Commissioner took part in key national conversations about culturally safe aged care for Elders and older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. These included the First Nations Aged Care Roundtable on 1 July, the National Aged Care Advisory Council on 22 July, the Truth Telling Yarning Session with Aunty Sheryl Buchanan on 23 July, and the Australian Elder Abuse Conference from 27 to 29 July, where the Interim Commissioner was a keynote speaker.
These events helped introduce the Interim Commissioner role and build early relationships with community, government and sector leaders. They also gave the Office important insights into what older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people need from the aged care system. Key themes included culturally safe care, truth-telling, Elder rights, stronger access to services and practical change led by community.
Message from the Interim Commissioner
“It is an honour to be appointed Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner. I want to begin by acknowledging my predecessor, Ms Andrea Kelly. Her work as the first Interim Commissioner has brought us to this point and will continue to guide my work.
My first month as Interim Commissioner was busy and rewarding. It began with two important milestones: legislation to establish a permanent Commissioner and the Government response to Ms Kelly’s report.
I am grateful for the warm welcome I have received. I have been invited to speak at forums and meet with older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, sector representatives and community representatives. These conversations help me understand what matters to individuals and communities. They will remain a key priority for me as Interim Commissioner.
If you have feedback, insights or anything you would like to discuss, please contact my Office at Interim FNACC@health.gov.au.