Sparrow returns as COTA chief

Australia's major advocacy group for older people has appointed former aged care peak lead Patricia Sparrow as its new chief.

The Council on the Ageing Australia (COTA) announced this week that Sparrow will take over the helm as chief executive from December 1st, succeeding longtime head Ian Yates.

Sparrow said she wants to prioritise major issues including age discrimination, employment, cost of living, retirement income and secure housing for older women during her tenure.

"These are amongst the nation's biggest challenges for the next few decades and ones that I am passionate about addressing," she said.

"My priorities will be to improve equality in delivering all services and harness the power of the new generation of older Australians for good.

"I'm truly excited to be taking up the reins at COTA Australia."

Sparrow will trade her role as chief of peak eye health organisation Vision 2020 Australia by the end of this year to return to advocate for the aged care sector.

During Aged Care Insite's conversation with Sparrow in August last year, she said she has 'an absolute passion and commitment to better services for older Australians'.

Sparrow previously served as head of the former aged care provider peak body ACSA for five years and currently advisors multiple federal ministers.

Her appointment came after Ian Yates stepped down as COTA's chief after over twenty years heading the national organisation.

Yates led COTA through the 2021 Royal Commission into Aged Care and the first two years of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Former ageing secretary professor Jane Halton said Yates' contribution led to crucial reforms across the industry.

"Yates hasn't just made an important contribution to COTA Australia as an organisation; he's played a pivotal role in shaping the way older people are seen and heard in our country," she said.

"He has achieved great things at COTA Australia, but all good things must come to an end."

Yates plans to continue to support older Australians' through his role as Chair of the government's Council of Elders.

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