A Gamilaroi woman with more than two decades of experience in government reform has been appointed as Australia's new Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner.
Jodi Cassar will lead Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged care reform until a permanent commissioner is appointed, succeeding inaugural Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner Andrea Kelly, who will finalise her tenure at the end of the month.
Born on Ngunnawal Country and a resident of Worimi lands for more than 40 years, Ms Cassar is currently acting First Assistant Secretary in the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
She has led major national reform initiatives, including the implementation of Australia's Disability Strategy and cross-government reporting on responses to the Disability Royal Commission.
In 2023, Ms Cassar was awarded the Public Service Medal for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, including work supporting people with disabilities, carers and workers, and improving vaccine access for vulnerable Australians.
In a statement to National Indigenous Times, Ms Cassar said she was "honoured" to be stepping into the role.
"This is an important opportunity to listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and work in partnership to strengthen aged care so it is culturally safe, accessible and person-centred," she said.
"I'm looking forward to continuing the work already underway and making sure it delivers real, tangible improvements and acknowledge the foundations that Andrea Kelly has provided."
Her appointment comes as the Federal Government prepares to introduce legislation establishing a permanent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Commissioner.
Federal Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae said Ms Cassar would play a key role in guiding the transition to the permanent position by "steering this work and making sure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are being heard".
"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," he said.
Ms Cassar takes on the role following the completion of Ms Kelly's landmark report, Transforming Aged Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, which was informed by extensive consultation with First Nations communities across the country.
The government said the report will help guide the government's approach to aged care reform for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the years ahead.
"I want to thank Andrea Kelly for her service as Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner," Mr Rae said. "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."
Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Rebecca White, thanked Ms Kelly for her service and welcomed Ms Cassar.
"Ensuring First Nations people have access to culturally safe, respectful, and appropriate aged care is essential," she said.
"This role plays an important part in helping to deliver better care and stronger outcomes for First Nations elders, their families, and communities."
