Inspector‑General of Aged Care Natalie Siegel Brown resigns

Inspector‑General of Aged Care Natalie Siegel Brown has resigned and will be leaving the role on July 31, citing an expansion of her international responsibilities and the need to balance professional and family commitments.

Ms Siegel Brown, who has held the position since the establishment of the Office of the Inspector‑General of Aged Care, has been managing the role alongside a concurrent appointment with a United Nations agency.

She said a significant expansion of her UN duties meant she could no longer meet the full‑time demands of the Australian role.

“The role of Inspector‑General of Aged Care demands complete dedication, and it deserves nothing less,” she said.

“While this was not a decision I made lightly, my international obligations have fundamentally changed, and retaining both roles would not be consistent with the level of dedication the Inspector‑General role demands.”

She added that the transition would also allow her to spend more time with her young family.

Ms Siegel Brown described serving as Inspector‑General as a “profound privilege”, acknowledging the trust placed in her by older Australians, families and advocates who shared their experiences of the aged care system.

“One of the greatest privileges of this role has been the trust people have placed in me – trusting me with their hopes for a better system, and with the pain of when aged care has fallen short,” she said.

She stressed that the work of elevating lived experience would continue through the independent oversight body she helped establish.

“The stories shared with me do not end here. They now live within the work of the Office of the Inspector‑General of Aged Care … designed to keep listening, to honour lived experience, and to ensure those voices continue to drive reform and accountability.”

Ms Siegel Brown thanked her team for their “professionalism, integrity and compassion,” saying she was proud of the culture and capability built within the office. She also acknowledged the support of sector stakeholders, advocates and older Australians.

She offered particular thanks to Aged Care and Seniors Minister Sam Rae and Health, and Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler for their leadership and commitment to a rights‑based aged care system.

Ms Siegel Brown will work with the government to ensure a smooth transition ahead of her departure on 31 July.