COTA Australia welcomes the appointment of nine new members to the Aged Care Council of Elders, and notes the critical role the Council will play as Australia implements the new Aged Care Act and associated reforms.
The newly appointed members are Ms Marilyn Beaumont OAM, Mr Fred (Federico) Marrone, Mr Warren Martens, Ms Ann Robinson, Mr Bruce Nelson, Ms Pam Hegarty, Ms Robyn Abrahams, Dr Barbara Buzzard and Ms Roberta (Bobbie) Kidd.
They will join returning members Council Chair Ms Anne Burgess AM, Dr Ponniah Anandajayasekeram, Associate Professor John Cullen AM, Mr William (Uncle Benny) Hodges, and Mr Russell Westacott.
COTA Australia Chief Executive Officer Patricia Sparrow said the Council of Elders has an important role to play in ensuring the voices and lived experiences of older Australians are embedded in government decision-making when it comes to aged care – something which will be particularly important at a time of such significant reform and the issues that older people are experiencing as they are implemented.
“As the new Aged Care Act comes into effect, it is more important than ever that the voices of older Australians are heard within government,” Ms Sparrow said.
“Good policy depends on listening directly to the people who understand the impact most.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the new members bring their own experience and knowledge to the role and seeing their perspectives shape how aged care reform is implemented on the ground.”
COTA Australia also acknowledged the significant contribution of outgoing members Valma (Val) Fell OAM, Gwenda Darling, Gillian Groom AO, Aunty Lyn Cullinane, Dr John Davis, Anna Harrison AM JP, Julie Rankin and Lyn Whiteway, thanking them for their commitment and service.
“The outgoing members have made an important contribution to improving outcomes for older Australians, and their leadership has helped strengthen the role of the Council as a trusted advisory body,” Ms Sparrow said.
Media contact: Tamara Kotoyan, 0430 291 890 or Alana Mew, 0419 929 722