Social justice advocate to chair Aged Care Council of Elders

An experienced social justice advocate has been tasked to lead the group responsible for advising the government on all aspects of aged care reform.

Last week, Anne Burgess was appointed as chair of the Aged Care Council of Elders by Aged Care Minister Anika Wells.

The SA deputy president of the Council of the Ageing (COTA) and former director of the federal government's Office for Women said she was "proud" to take on two-year leadership role.

"I am committed to working with council members and the government to ensure the rights and dignity of older people from all walks of life are protected in our future aged care system," Ms Burgess said.

The establishment of a formal group to represent the needs and interests of older Australians was a core recommendation from the Aged Care Royal Commission.

Last year, 14 members were appointed to the council, including National Seniors Australia chief John McCallum, dementia advocate Gwenda Darling and Indigenous campaigner Professor Tom Calma AO.

The council members will meet six times a year and advise the government on a range of issues relating to aged care reform, including the foundations of a new Aged Care Act.

The group will be expected to facilitate face-to-face meetings and open forums with members of the public.

Better access to home care, increased government transparency around reforms and improved support for carers were key issues raised during the council's March meeting.

Anika Wells said the group will "play a critical role in ensuring the diverse views and perspectives of older people are heard by the government."

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