Gen Cosgrove takes lead LASA role
The former chief of the Australian Defence Force, General Peter Cosgrove, has been named as the chair of the new LASA board.
Above: Marcus Riley delivers General Peter Cosgrove’s maiden speech as chair of the Leading Age Services Australia board. General Cosgrove was attending a different function in his capacity as the chancellor of Australian Catholic University.
The former chief of the Defence Force and 2011 Australian of the Year, General Peter Cosgrove, will soon take his seat as the inaugural chair of the board of directors for the new peak body, Leading Age Services Australia (LASA).
General Cosgrove is due to formally start his new role as chair of the LASA board on 1 July.
Although he was unable to attend the association’s official launch yesterday afternoon, a speech was read out on the general’s behalf by Aged Care Queensland president and LASA founding board member, Marcus Riley.
According to the speech, General Cosgrove had been “immediately impressed with the strategic objectives of those who founded LASA, as well as their values, commitment and passion for the aged care sector, and to whom they serve”.
“The creation of LASA comes at a most critical time for our nation, not just for the current older Australians, but for all generations in our society.
“I assure you of my absolute personal commitment to working for better outcomes for older Australians, and strongly representing the interests of the organisations who provide care, services and accommodation to them. Such representation will be for all members of our sector, regardless of organisation type.”
Mr Cosgrove’s address cited his “extensive personal experience with the aged care industry, from a family perspective and professionally,” leading to his having “long maintained a high admiration for providers of aged care services”.
“These providers and those to whom they offer services deserve a better aged care system to work within and LASA, by our effective collaboration with all industry stakeholders – both government and non-government – will strive to deliver that enhanced system,” the speech continued.
“Unfortunately I am unable to be here with you this afternoon, due to presiding at graduations in my capacity as chancellor of the Australian Catholic University, however I am excited and eager to commence my new role as chairman of LASA.”
LASA was formed by Aged and Community Care Victoria (ACCV), Aged Care Association Australia (ACAA) and Aged Care Queensland (ACQ) earlier this year with the aim of providing one unified voice for both private and not-for-profit providers.
Above: ACAA President and LASA founding board member, Bryan Dorman, speaks at the launch of LASA yesterday.
ACAA President and LASA founding board member, Bryan Dorman, said the appointment was a coup for the new organisation, with General Cosgrove bringing his considerable expertise and extensive contact networks to serve on the board of LASA.
“We are very fortunate General Cosgrove accepted the position as chair of our board,” Mr Dorman said in a statement.
“He was a prime candidate for his knowledge of the industry landscape and his demonstrated ability to advocate on behalf of numerous noteworthy organisations throughout the country.”
Mr Dorman’s fellow LASA board member, Mr Riley, added that the entire age services industry was “at a crucial point in its existence”.
“We must have a strong and capable advocate to advise the Board and to guide the planning process for future decades,” he said in the LASA statement. “I have no doubt that Peter Cosgrove is just that person.”
Above: ACCV president and LASA founding board member, Valerie Lyons, at the LASA launch.
ACCV president, Valerie Lyons, was also quoted, saying that General Cosgrove was ideal to chair the new LASA Board, as he was an exceptional leader with a proven record of success.
“I am very confident he will be able to replicate the success he has achieved throughout his career, and that he will be a powerful advocate for Australia’s age services sector in this new role,” Ms Lyons said.
