Outgoing COTA chief takes on new aged care government role
Outgoing Council of the Ageing chief executive Ian Yates has been appointed Interim Inspector-General of Aged Care.

Outgoing Council of the Ageing chief executive Ian Yates has been appointed the Interim Inspector-General of Aged Care
According to a media statement from the office of the Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells, Mr Yates’ appointment is “a key step” in addressing recommendation 12 of the aged care royal commission, which called for the establishment of an interim and statutory Inspector-General of Aged Care.

“This role demonstrates our commitment to strengthening and driving positive change in the aged care system by providing the means for an independent oversight, increased transparency and accountability in the sector,” said Ms Wells.
“The Interim Inspector-General and, when appointed, the Inspector-General will provide independent oversight across the aged care system, and will play a critical role in enhancing transparency and building greater confidence in the operation of the aged care system,” added Ms Wells.
Key functions
As Interim Inspector-General, Mr Yates will undertake a range of key functions, which include:
- engaging with stakeholders to assist with developing a review program for systemic investigations
- identifying priorities for the Inspector-General
- delivering education and raising awareness of the roles and functions of the interim and statutory offices
- considering opportunities to report to parliament, including on the royal commission recommendations.

“I am honoured to take on this interim role and will work with older Australians and the sector to understand the issues affecting their experiences of aged care, highlighting problems and recommending solutions to drive positive change across the system,” said Mr Yates in the statement.
“I am confident we can help build community confidence in an accountable and transparent aged care system that meets the diverse needs of older Australians, their families and carers.”
Mr Yates is no stranger to holding government positions. He has previously represented older Australians on federal government advisory panels, including nine years as a member of the Aged Care Financing Authority.
Mr Yates leaves COTA this Friday after 33 years with the consumer peak organisation, including 20 years as chief executive of the national body COTA Australia. He retains his roles with the Council of Elders, the National Aged Advisory Council and the Quality and Safety Advisory Council as they are individual appointments.
In a recent interview with Australian Ageing Agenda, Mr Yates hinted at his new role as Inspector-General. “I am contemplating some work that will give me not full-time but a contribution above and beyond the committees,” he told AAA.
He will commence the Interim Inspector-General of Aged Care role in January 2023.
Consultation period
The Department of Health and Aged Care is currently consulting on the draft of the Inspector-General of Aged Care Bill. Comments on the draft legislation should be submitted by 27 January 2023.
For further information, click here.
To review the consultation paper and exposure draft, visit the Aged Care Engagement Hub.
The Inspector-General is expected to be appointed in the second half of 2023, pending the passage of legislation.
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33 years on committees and councils but not one day on the floor seeing exactly what goes on behind the closed doors.
Another stroke of pure genius from the sector that needs reforming from the ground up…but responds by putting another pseudo-expert at the top.