Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Commissioner and Other Measures) Bill 2026; Second Reading

Opened the debate

Rae argued that the bill fulfils a key recommendation from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety by creating an independent commissioner role. Rae stated that older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people often disengage from the system due to historical distrust and cultural insensitivity, leading to poorer health outcomes. The commissioner will advise on policy co-design, promote cultural capability, and support community-led providers to ensure care is culturally safe and trauma-sensitive. Rae emphasised that the role sits within the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to ensure its advocacy has regulatory impact and direct access to decision-makers.

Government response

Rae highlighted that the commissioner role was shaped by extensive consultation, including 135 forums and meetings with over 1,000 individuals conducted by the interim commissioner. Rae noted that the bill also makes permanent transitional measures from the new Aged Care Act to provide certainty for providers and consumers. Additional provisions include strengthening protections against overcharging and clarifying that local councillors are not captured as responsible persons under the act. Rae committed to continuing work on cultural safety and trust-building until the system is fully reliable for all First Nations communities.