The role
Andrea Kelly is serving as the Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner. She leads efforts to advocate for culturally safe aged care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.
The role of the Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner is to:
- design and establish an independent, permanent Statutory Commissioner role, in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- engage with older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their families and communities about aged care
- advocate for systems-level reform in the aged care sector that embeds cultural safety and ensures older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have access to culturally safe aged care.
Interim appointment
Ms Kelly was appointed as the Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner in January 2024. This appointment was made as a first step in responding to recommendation 49 of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
In February 2025, the Minister for Aged Care announced Ms Kelly’s role as Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner would be extended until June 2026.
Responsibilities
The Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner’s responsibilities include:
- designing and establishing an independent, permanent Statutory Commissioner role, in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- advocating for systems-level reform in the aged care sector that embeds cultural safety and ensures older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have access to culturally safe aged care
- progressing recommendations contained in the Transforming aged care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people report
- engaging with older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and service providers, to understand their priorities and perspectives
- advising the Australian Government on the barriers and challenges experienced by older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the changes needed to improve access and outcomes
- championing the obligations and opportunities provided under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, including proactive implementation of the four Priority Reforms.
About the commissioner
Ms Kelly is a proud Warumungu and Larrakia woman with 34 years of dedicated service in the Australia Public Service. Her career is distinguished by her commitment to advancing the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through influential roles, including her position as Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Reconciliation Australia. Notably, she played a pivotal role in establishing the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme, a landmark initiative addressing historical injustices faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Andrea's extensive experience and deep cultural insights drive her ongoing work to influence public policy and achieve meaningful change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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