ACCPA appoints Tom Symondson as new CEO

Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) has appointed Tom Symondson, CEO of the Victorian Healthcare Association, as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of ACCPA.

“Tom comes to ACCPA with a proven track record as a leader and advocate in the public and community health sector in Victoria where he has been Chief Executive Officer of VHA for eight years and their Director, Policy and Strategy for two years before that,” ACCPA Chairman Dr Graeme Blackman AO said.

The ACCPA board looks forward to welcoming Tom to the organisation when he commences in September, Blackman said.

“ACCPA is the result of an historic vote taken earlier this year by members of LASA and ACSA and fulfils a desire by aged care representative organisations across Australia to create a stronger, unified voice with which to represent the sector from home care, community care, residential care to retirement living and seniors housing.

“The aged care sector has faced significant challenges with the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and the pandemic over the past two years, which has exposed the sector’s severe staff shortages and the impact of the funding shortfall.

“Now, more than ever, our sector needs strong leadership and a united voice through ACCPA so that we can work with government and industry stakeholders to achieve a sustainable aged care sector that improves the wellbeing of older Australians.

“We look forward to working with Tom as he leads a talented ACCPA team who possess a breadth of expertise and experience in the aged care sector.”

Symondson said he was looking forward to the new challenge. “I’m delighted to have been appointed as the CEO of ACCPA as it commences its work representing and supporting Australia’s diverse aged care sector.

“The sector is facing many challenges, not least the incredible strain on our workforce after more than two years of a global pandemic and the huge financial strain on providers. But there are also so many opportunities to work together with our members and governments across the country to build a sustainable future for aged care and most importantly, to improve the lives of older Australians, wherever they live.

“I can’t think of a more important goal, and I am excited to be able to play a part in delivering it,” Symondson said.

Symondson has been the CEO of the Victorian Healthcare Association, the peak body for the public health, aged care and community health sector in Victoria, since 2015, after serving for two years as Director of Policy and Strategy. Before moving to Australia in 2011, he had a career in local government, most recently serving as a political advisor in Southwark Council in London, one of the UK’s largest local authorities. Tom sits on the board of Aware Super, one of the largest superannuation funds in the country, with members across the health, aged care, education and public service sectors.

He serves on a range of government boards and taskforces including the Victorian Ministerial Advisory Committee for Mental Health, The Victorian Quality and Safety Council and the Public Sector Residential Aged Care Expert Advisory Group. He is also chair of the International Federation of Community Health Centres.

Dr Blackman thanked Interim ACCPA CEO Paul Sadler for leading the organisation through the transition from LASA and ACSA into a united organisation which he will continue to do until September.

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