New ACCPA CEO to speak at National Conference

The Aged & Community Care Providers Association’s (ACCPA) new Chief Executive Officer Tom Symondson has commenced his new role.

Symondson said he was delighted to be representing providers of home and community care, residential aged care, seniors housing and independent living across Australia’s diverse aged care sector.

“The aged care 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,” Symondson said.

“Over the past three years, providers have faced the perfect storm of COVID, a Royal Commission and critical challenges in funding and workforce.

“Yet, staff have continued to show up and older Australians have continued to receive the services and supports they need and deserve. It’s evident that there is enormous resilience in our industry, and we need to build on that as we work to strengthen public trust and partner with government to achieve real reform which improves the wellbeing of older people, wherever they live.”

Symondson will give his first major speech next week at ACCPA’s inaugural National Conference to be held in Adelaide over three days from 12 to 14 October at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

Among key speakers at the conference will be federal Aged Care Minister the Hon Anika Wells MP, opposition health spokeswoman Senator the Hon Anne Ruston, Australian Greens aged care spokeswoman Senator Janet Rice and Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner Janet Anderson PSM.

More than 1500 ACCPA members, partners and aged care sector stakeholders have registered to attend what will be the largest networking opportunity for the sector since before the pandemic began. With a focus on aged care reform the conference theme is ‘It’s Up To Us’.

Other speaker highlights are Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay, former Aged Care Minister, and Australia’s first Indigenous federal Minister, Ken Wyatt AM and Interim CEO of the Care Economy CRC Carmela Sergi.

Over three days, conference sessions will focus on the consumer voice, palliative care, sustainability and finance, technology, wellness and reablement, workforce, reform and transformation. The conference will also feature a trade exhibition and a full-day event — Emerging Leadership Experience — for aspiring aged services leaders.

“Our inaugural national conference gives us an exceptional opportunity to meet face-to-face and take the pulse of the sector, to learn about the progress of aged care reform and of new innovations and opportunities to improve the lives of older Australians,” Symondson said.

“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.

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

Image credit: Supplied.