Aged care peak welcomes new chief

One of Australia's most influential aged care peak organisations has welcomed a new chief executive.

On Friday, the Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) announced that Tom Symondson will begin his leadership this week.

Symondson, who replaces interim chief Paul Sadler, has over fifteen years' experience of advocacy and public policy development in aged care.

"Now, more than ever, our sector needs strong leadership and a united voice," he said.

"Through ACCPA, 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."

The ACCPA has been pushing for higher quality in residential and home care under interim chief Paul Sadler since the organisation's inception in July, 2022.

The merger between Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA) and Leading Aged Services Australia (LASA) came after the Royal Commission's recommendation to form a single leadership.

Symondson said he's delighted to support aged care through ACCPA and is planning to strengthen the public's trust and improve the wellbeing of older people. 

"Over the past three years, providers have faced the perfect storm of Covid, a Royal Commission and critical challenges in funding and workforce," he said.

"The aged care sector faces many challenges, not least the incredible strain on our workforce after more than two years of a global pandemic and the huge financial pressure on providers.

"Yet, staff have continued to show up, and older Australians have continued to receive the services and support they need and deserve. It's evident that there is enormous resilience in our industry."

Before joining ACCPA, Symondson was chief of the Victorian Healthcare Association since 2015 and served as the organisation's director of policy and strategy for two years before that.

ACCPA's chairman Dr Graeme Blackman said the board is looking forward to working with Symondson.

"Symondson comes to ACCPA with a proven track record as a leader and advocate in the public and community health sector," he said.

"He'll lead a talented ACCPA team with a breadth of expertise and experience in the aged care sector."

Symondson will give his first major speech next week at ACCPA's inaugural National Conference in Adelaide, with over 1500 members and aged care minister Anika Wells attending.