Ms Jodi Cassar has been appointed as the new Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner, to lead Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged care reform through to the appointment of a permanent Commissioner.
A proud Kamilaroi/Gamilaroi woman, Ms Cassar was born on Ngunnawal Country and has lived on Worimi lands for more than 40 years.
She brings more than 20 years of experience delivering complex reform across government, and is currently acting First Assistant Secretary in the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, leading national reform work including the implementation of Australia's Disability Strategy and cross-government reporting on responses to the Disability Royal Commission.
In 2023, she was awarded the Public Service Medal for her outstanding leadership during the pandemic, including her work supporting people with disability, workers and carers, and helping accelerate vaccine access for vulnerable Australians.
Ms Cassar succeeds Andrea Kelly, the inaugural Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner, who set the standard for what this Commissioner role can be. The depth of her consultation, and the trust she built with First Nations communities in every part of Australia has shaped the foundations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged care reform in this country.
Her report, Transforming Aged Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, is a landmark piece of work. It is deeply informed and grounded in the voices of the people it is written for. It will guide this Government's work for years to come, and it stands as a lasting contribution to the lives of older First Nations Australians.
Ms Cassar takes up the role at a pivotal moment for reform in the First Nations aged care space.
The Government will introduce legislation to establish a permanent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Commissioner before the end of the winter sitting period. Ms Cassar will help guide that transition, building on Andrea Kelly's work and the consultation that underpins it.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae:
"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.
"I want to thank Andrea Kelly for her service as Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner. Andrea set the standard for what this role can be, and the trust she built with communities in every part of Australia has shaped the foundations of First Nations aged care reform in this country.
"We're delivering that permanently, and as we move through the legislative process, Jodi will be steering this work and making sure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are being heard."
Quotes Attributable to Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Rebecca White:
"I would like to thank the outgoing First Nations Aged Care Commissioner Andrea Kelly for her dedicated service and contribution to improving aged care outcomes for First Nations people, and we welcome Ms Jodi Cassar as the newly appointed Interim Commissioner.
"Ensuring First Nations people have access to culturally safe, respectful, and appropriate aged care is essential. This role plays an important part in helping to deliver better care and stronger outcomes for First Nations elders, their families, and communities."
