Hi I’m Andrea Kelly the Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner
I am a proud Warumungu and Larrakia woman
Today I’m coming to you from the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people
But I've spent so much time this year on Country.
From the Torres Strait Islands to Lurawita I travelled as far west to Yaruwu Country East to Dungutti and Biripi Countries, Arrernte Country and Yorta Yorta Country and many places in between
What a busy year been travelling nationally listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people tell me the good and not-so-good areas of the aged care system and what was important to you
Between February and June 2024: I met with more than 1,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. And travelled around 60,000kms on commercial flights and over 8,500kms by car This doesn’t include the boats, ferries, or small charter planes. I held over 135 engagements and received 37 written submissions
While the travel was exhausting it was so rewarding and important to hear first-hand from all of you I heard stories about getting old on Country. I heard how hard it can be and how far we have to go until the aged care system meets the needs of our older people. I saw first-hand amazing examples of aged care services that are delivering culturally safe care but we need more of these
You what you all told me the problems you experience when accessing aged care the safe about aged care services this year.
And I heard from aged care services and older people that need more support
I’ve been hard at work sharing this information with the Government and the department influencing and shaping aged care reforms
There is still so much to do
So, in 2025, I will continue the work of putting what you told me into practice and advocating for the changes you need to ensure you age well
To every Elder, Aunty, Uncle, family member, carer, health worker and member of community who took time out to meet with me. Thank you
As promised, I have turned your stories into a community booklet that I hope truly reflects what you told me; your voices Keep an eye out for this as it will be released very soon
Thank you
English (Australia)
About the Interim Commissioner
Ms Kelly is a proud Warumungu and Larrakia woman, with strong family connections throughout the Northern Territory.
She has enjoyed a 30 plus year career in the Australian Public Service (APS), in both the Northern Territory and Canberra.
Ms Kelly is particularly proud of the work she did in education, early years and childcare in the Northern Territory. She was instrumental in the design and establishment of the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme.
Role
Ms Kelly was appointed as Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner to:
- listen to older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about how aged care is working for them
- promote and report on whether older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can find and use culturally safe aged care services and whether they have a choice about who they ask to help them
- help the government and aged care providers to make changes that will improve aged care for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Updates
Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner – Communiques
Contact
