Natalie is a passionate advocate for human rights and elevating the voice of older people as the lighthouse for Australia’s aged care system. Appointed as Inspector-General of Aged Care from 14 January 2025, she leads the Office of the Inspector-General of Aged Care in providing independent oversight of Australia’s aged care system.
 
Before taking on her role as Inspector-General, she served as the Commissioner for Social Policy at the Australian Productivity Commission. She was also a member of the Queensland Independent Truth and Treaty Body and a Board Member of Ageing and Disability Advocacy Australia. Natalie concurrently works for the UN in the Pacific in child protection, and also serves on the Board of OXFAM. 

With extensive experience as a CEO, government oversight body leader, and independent statutory appointee, Natalie’s expertise spans across domestic and family violence, sexual violence, child abuse and neglect, youth justice, mental health, disability, aged care, and elder abuse. 

As the Queensland Public Guardian, Natalie was the independent human rights defender for the state’s most vulnerable adults and children. Her role uniquely empowered her to investigate and intervene in cases of elder abuse. During her tenure, she championed the elimination of restrictive practices in aged care, advocated for independent physical oversight of residential facilities, and collaborated with Australian banks to address and prevent financial abuse of older Queenslanders. 

Natalie’s career began as a lawyer working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, focusing on domestic and family violence and crime prevention. She has held positions at the former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission and the Australian Human Rights Commission. For over two decades, Natalie has worked with communities and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations from Cape York to the Kimberley.