Kate Pope named acting Inspector‑General of Australian Aged Care

Kate Pope, a senior public servant with more than 35 years of experience, was appointed acting Inspector‑General of Aged Care in Australia, commencing on 1 August 2026. She previously served as Deputy President of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Repatriation Commission and received a Public Service Medal in 2012.

The appointment follows the departure of Natalie Siegel‑Brown, whose term ended on 31 July. As acting Inspector‑General, Pope will oversee the independent office that monitors the performance of the aged‑care sector, reports to Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae and Parliament, and tracks implementation of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety recommendations. The role is central to the government’s broader reform agenda, including the new Aged Care Act and the Support at Home program.