Second Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner chosen

The position has been filled on an interim basis once again, pending new legislation to establish a permanent Commissioner by early July.

Jodi Cassar PSM has been appointed the new Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner, replacing the inaugural Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner Andrea Kelly, who leaves this month.

Cassar has been a public servant for the last 20 years and was most recently Acting First Assistant Secretary in the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

She has led the implementation of Australia’s Disability Strategy, including Government reporting on responses to the Disability Royal Commission.

The Government says it plans to introduce legislation to establish a permanent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Commissioner before the end of the winter sitting period on 2 July.

“As we progress work towards a permanent Commissioner, Jodi Cassar’s decades of experience driving complex reform across government will be invaluable in turning the findings of a Royal Commission into real change on the ground,” said Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae.

Kelly’s report, Transforming Aged Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, is considered a landmark piece of work informed by extensive consultations with First Nations communities.

“Andrea set the standard for what this role can be,” the Minister said. “The trust she built with communities in every part of Australia has shaped the foundations of First Nations aged care reform in this country.”

Earlier this month, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Council, along with 10 other First Nations health and aged care organisations, issued a six-page statement urging the Government to “urgently progress” Aged Care Royal Commission recommendations, including replacing the Interim Commissioner with a permanent role.