The Albanese Government is pleased to announce Ms Natalie Siegel-Brown has been appointed as the new Inspector-General of Aged Care.
The Office of the Inspector-General of Aged Care provides independent and impartial oversight of the Government's administration, governance and regulation of aged care.
Their work includes ongoing monitoring and intelligence-gathering activities to address systemic issues and make recommendations for change.
The Office also has oversight of how complaints are managed by government agencies, approved providers and other aged care bodies.
Ms Siegel-Brown brings a wealth of experience to the role at a critical time for the aged care system, with the new Aged Care Act set to commence from 1 July 2025, pending parliamentary passage.
She has most recently served as a Commissioner with the Productivity Commission and a Board Director at Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia (ADA Australia).
Ms Siegel-Brown has previously held 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.
Ms Siegel-Brown will commence in the role of Inspector-General in January 2025. Her appointment is for a duration of four years and nine months and will conclude in October 2029.
In the interim, the Minister has appointed Mr Ian Yates AM as Acting Inspector-General until Ms Siegel-Brown commences in her role.
We thank Mr Yates for his service in the role since its inception in October 2023, and for his willingness to step in and provide leadership and continuity for this important office over the next few months.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells:
"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."
"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."
