Celebrity chef Maggie Beer arrives to front the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

She’s the celebrity chef whose culinary creations and expert opinions as a guest judge have made her a household name across the country.

But on Tuesday, Maggie Beer traded the kitchen for the courtroom when she appeared before the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety in Cairns.

The 73-year-old was called upon to describe the work of the Maggie Beer Foundation and share insight into improving the quality of food in nursing homes.

Courtroom style! Outside the public hearing, Maggie cut a stylish figure in an edgy ensemble, consisting of a grey asymmetrical top and black ankle-length dress

Outside the public hearing, Maggie cut a stylish figure in an edgy ensemble, consisting of a grey asymmetrical top and black ankle-length dress. 

Her structured sleeveless top cinched at her waist with a tie, and provided added texture to her peasant skirt.

The former Senior Australian of the Year opted for a fresh-faced makeup palette, with a hint of blush and pink lip stain. 

Boho chic! Maggie’s structured sleeveless top cinched at the waist with a tie, and provided added texture to her peasant skirt

Top chef! Maggie’s culinary creations and expert opinions have seen her enlisted as a guest judge on several cooking shows and made her a household name across the country

Maggie elevated her ensemble with an earth-toned scarf emblazoned with a floral and polka dot print, as well as a pair of magenta circular earrings.

She completed her look with a pair of understated black ankle boots. 

The commission is currently hearing from a range of experts to identify areas of improvement in nutrition, wound care, mobility, continence and social support. 

Some aged care homes spend as little as $7 a day on food for each resident, the royal commission was told.

Expert opinion! Maggie has firmly established herself as a favourite guest judge on MasterChef Australia

On a mission! Maggie established her foundation five years ago with the aim of improving the food experiences of older Australians, particularly those living in aged care homes.

Maggie said that sort of budget is inadequate to prepare the type of food people in aged care facilities should be eating.

‘They would have to use processed food, frozen food, frozen vegetables, fish that is usually frozen and imported, not even Australian,’ she said.

‘It’s just impossible.’

Maggie added a reasonable minimum budget would be $10.50 a day per resident, but for $14 ‘you can do really good food’. 

Maggie established the foundation five years ago with the aim of improving the food experiences of older Australians, particularly those living in aged care homes.