Senior Australians will have their voices heard with the appointment of a new federal government advisory body.
Establishing a Council of Elders was a recommendation from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
It will provide advice to the federal government on ageing and aged care matters.
Aged care expert Ian Yates will lead the council as chair.
Council members include 2021 Senior Australian of the Year Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Baumann, dementia advocate Gwenda Darling, writer and carer Danijela Hlis, Age Discrimination Commissioner Kay Patterson, and indigenous campaigner Tom Calma.
Members are appointed for two-year terms and will provide advice to government, coordinate feedback from senior Australians, their families and communities and help to build community awareness of ageing and aged care matters.
In a statement Mr Yates said having a senior Australian voice direct to government would ensure recommendations from the royal commission will be implemented.
"This is an exciting initiative that we have not had before," he said.
"I look forward to working with the members of the council to provide this important voice to ministers and the National Aged Care Advisory Council."
