Ian Yates AM bids farewell to Inspector-General role
Published on 13 January 2025
The Acting Inspector-General of Aged Care Ian Yates AM has shared a final statement with the public as his term of appointment concludes today.
Key points
- Mr Yates assumed the role of Interim Inspector-General in January 2023 before gaining full statutory powers as the Acting Inspector-General for the last 15 months
- The Office of the Inspector-General of Aged Care is an independent statutory agency led by the Inspector-General and its creation was a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Quality and Safety in Aged Care
- Mr Yates has provided independent oversight of the aged care system through reviews, monitoring and reporting, which includes the 2024 Progress Report and a review of My Aged Care
As Mr Yates explained in his statement, “the role of Inspector-General is to shine a light on all aspects of the aged care system, identify systemic issues and recommend changes that will produce improved outcomes for people who need aged care services, and their families”.
His departure does not come without some criticism, though. The statement revealed that all statuary obligations were met on time ‘despite very limited resources’.
Mr Yates pressed further with the issue when he claimed that the Office of the Inspector General of Aged Care (OIGAC) is funded ‘at least 50% below minimum requirements’.
“I cannot sign off, however, without recording that the OIGAC is severely under-resourced. Government’s initial funding was based on inadequate and conflicted advice,” Mr Yates expressed.
“This is not a matter of ‘what we would like’, it is about essential resources. The Office is not sufficiently funded to sustainably undertake all its statutory functions. It is at least 50% below minimum requirements. This must be corrected.”
Reflecting on achievements
The OIGAC released its own statement on Monday, acknowledging Mr Yates for his unwavering commitment as a steadfast advocate for the rights of older people. His crucial role in the development and enactment of the Office and Inspector-General position was also recognised.
“On a personal note, it has been a privilege to work with Ian. His wisdom and unwavering dedication have left a lasting impact,” Agency Executive Director Paula Pearsall said.
“We will miss his insight and profound knowledge of the aged care sector, which has guided and inspired so much of our work. His departure marks the end of a significant chapter, but his legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence our work and the aged care sector positively. Ian, we thank you and wish you every success in the next chapter of your journey.”
Mr Yates returned the favour with his own message of gratitude.
“My great appreciation to Agency Executive Director, Paula Pearsall for her skill, commitment, tenacity and collegiality, to all the Office Directors and the entire team, who have never hesitated to go above and beyond and have made this a valued and pleasurable 2 years,” he added.
One of the highlights of Mr Yates’ tenure was the release of the 2024 Progress Report. The essential document looked at all 148 Royal Commission recommendations and any associated issues with equitable access to and navigability within aged care.
At the time of the release, Mr Yates commended the Australian Government for its work, yet he said more recommendations still required action.
“The report also found that many older Australians continue to experience challenges in understanding and accessing quality aged care,” Mr Yates said.
“The Report underscores the need for the government to implement a new, needs-based and demand-driven approach to aged care provision, and a seamless new aged care program, as recommended by the Royal Commission.”
Additionally, he initiated a review of My Aged Care, the government’s portal for accessing aged care services.
Today, Mr Yates reinforced that the key foundational finding remains that access to care is rationed because of the aged care system’s architectural foundations.
“The Royal Commission called for a paradigm shift, recommending establishing a new seamless single aged care program with access to care as an entitlement based on assessed need,” he wrote.
“It is disappointing that government is not implementing this cornerstone reform – the new Aged Care Act and the new Support at Home Program retain a rationing-based approach. As a direct consequence, older Australians with assessed needs will continue to miss out or face long delays in accessing care.”
While expressing some disappointment, he commended the government’s initial commitment to legislating and supporting the Inspector-General and its Office. He thanked industry stakeholders, aged care providers and consumers for their widespread engagement, cooperation and support.
“In all our work over the past two years I and the Office conducted extensive stakeholder consultation,” he added.
“We sought input from Commonwealth agencies that have a role in the administration, governance, and regulation of aged care, consulted with consumer and provider peak organisations, engaged with hundreds of aged care providers and other key stakeholders in the aged care sector, and importantly, with members of the public with lived experience of aged care.
“I record my appreciation to all stakeholders for their cooperation and very meaningful and useful contributions.”
Mr Yates also thanked the Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells and the Shadow Minister Anne Ruston for their support.
Change will be swift at the top with Natalie Siegel-Brown beginning her tenure as the permanent Inspector-General of Aged Care immediately. Ms Siegel-Brown departed the Productivity Commission where she looked after the social policy title.
“I commend to all the incoming statutory Inspector-General, Natalie Siegel-Brown, who like me brings to the role a passionate commitment to social justice and to better outcomes for older Australians,” Mr Yates finished.