Permanent Inspector-General of Aged Care revealed
Published on 18 October 2024
Natalie Siegel-Brown has been appointed as the new Inspector-General of Aged Care and is set to take over from the Acting Inspector-General, Ian Yates AM, in January 2025.
By taking on the role, Ms Siegel-Brown departs the Productivity Commission, where she was one of nine commissioners working alongside the organisation’s Chair, Danielle Wood, and Deputy Chair, Alex Robson. Ms Siegel-Brown held the Commissioner (Social Policy) title for over two and a half years.
Her appointment is for four years and nine months, concluding in October 2029.
“We’re making some big changes to aged care in Australia, and the role of Inspector-General of Aged Care has never been more important as we deliver this once-in-a-generation reform,” Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells, said.
“The Inspector-General of Aged Care plays a critical role in ensuring there is appropriate oversight to systemic issues across the sector – be it around funding, regulation, administration or delivery of care to older people.”
“Ms Siegel-Brown’s cross-sector experience across a range of social policy areas will bring a fresh perspective to aged care and puts her in good stead to make a real impact to the aged care system in this role.”
Ms Siegel-Brown is no stranger to aged care; she is the current Board Director for Aged and Disability Advocacy (ADA) Australia, a role she has filled for three years. She also works part-time as a specialist advisor to UNICEF on child protection and child justice.
Previous executive experience also includes roles across the Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australian and Victorian Governments leading public policy and service delivery in domestic and family violence, statutory child protection, ageing and disability.
She also holds a Master of Politics and Public Management, Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Arts and an Executive Leadership Certificate from Harvard Business School.
As the Inspector-General of Aged Care, Ms Siegel-Brown and her new Office will provide independent and impartial oversight of the Government’s administration, governance and regulation of aged care. This includes ongoing monitoring and intelligence-gathering activities to address systemic issues and make recommendations for change.
Examples already produced by Mr Yates in his Acting role include a 2024 progress report on implementing Aged Care Royal Commission recommendations.
Ms Siegel-Brown said she was honoured to be appointed by the Australian Government.
“This fulfils my passion to see Australians age with more than just their human rights, but with true quality of life and as valued members of our society. The flame was ignited for me as guardian for thousands of people in aged care, and as legal intervener in elder abuse in Queensland (while Public Guardian),” she said.
The experienced human rights leader also confirmed her time at ADA Australia will come to an end, alongside her Productivity Commission duties.
“Sadly this means my time on the board of Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia has come to an end. I am so privileged to have worked with the board and CEO of an organisation whose staff punch way above and beyond their weight in advocating for the rights of older Queenslanders and Queenslanders with disability,” Ms Siegel-Brown said.
“I am also sad to be leaving the Productivity Commission, especially our work on Closing the Gap. But my commitment to the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly to shared decision-making with mob (a commitment of every government under the national Agreement), is unabiding.
“I will still be continuing my international work in child protection and justice for children while undertaking the role; and I look forward to still collaborating with many of you here in that work.”
Minister Wells also thanked Mr Yates for his service and “willingness to step in and provide leadership and continuity for this important office over the next few months.”
Meanwhile, the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) also expressed a warm welcome to Ms Siegel-Brown, praising the considerable experience she brings to the role at a crucial time for aged care.
OPAN CEO Craig Gear OAM said Ms Siegel-Brown’s appointment was a significant step towards further protecting the rights of older Australians.
“Ms Siegel-Brown has impressive credentials and strong credibility within the social services sector and deep expertise regarding guardianship,” he said.
“We look forward to the opportunity to work with her to ensure Australia’s aged care system meets the needs of older people and is financially sustainable for future generations.”