Christopher Pyne COTA chair
New governance leaders appointed at senior and provider national peaks.
Former Liberal federal minister Christopher Pyne has been appointed independent chair of seniors advocacy peak Council on the Ageing Australia.
Having previously held the minister for ageing portfolio in John Howard’s government in 2007, Mr Pyne brings “a wealth of experience to COTA Australia,” said the organisation’s chief executive Patricia Sparrow.
“His expertise is an asset that aligns seamlessly with our focus on championing the concerns of ageing individuals and older Australians nationwide. We believe that his leadership will further elevate our mission to create positive change and advocate policies that enhance the lives of older Australians.”
Mr Pyne said he was looking forward to taking on his new role as independent chair and helping to effect change for older Australians.
“There’s no doubt there are many challenges facing older Australians and, as the leading advocacy voice of older Australians, COTA Australia has a big task ahead of it in the coming years. I’m looking forward to playing my part in helping meet those challenges for the benefit of older people across the country.”
Mr Pyne singled out ageism as one of those challenges facing the country. “Ageism is endemic in Australia and addressing it needs to be a key focus, not just for COTA, but for governments, businesses and society broadly,” he said. “By addressing ageism, we’ll help unlock the potential of older Australians – that’s not just important for older Australians themselves, but for people of every age.”
Mr Pyne – also a former chair of Vision 2020 Australia and a member of the advisory board of mental health body the Orygen Institute – replaces outgoing independent chair Jane Halton, who took on the role in December 2017.
“Jane Halton has been an incredible asset to our organisation,” said Ms Sparrow. “Her extensive knowledge and wealth of experience has been a driving force behind COTA’s advocacy success. Jane Halton has been, and will no doubt continue to be, an incredible advocate for older Australians. We extend our heartfelt thanks for her incredible service.”
Reflecting on her time at COTA, Ms Halton said the peak had been influential in the review of retirement incomes and advising the aged care royal commission.
“I am proud to have played a role in these areas which have such critical impact on people’s lives,” said Ms Halton. “I have full confidence that with Christopher’s leadership COTA Australia will continue to thrive, and I look forward to its continuing positive impact on the lives of older Australians.”
ACCPA elects new deputy chair
Meanwhile, Geraldine Lannon (above) has been appointed deputy chairperson of provider peakbody Aged & Community Care Providers Association.
Chief executive of residential aged care and home care provider Baptcare and a member of the ACCPA board, Ms Lannon was elected its deputy chair on 13 February.
In a LinkedIn post, an ACCPA statement reads: “Geraldine brings to this role strong industry knowledge with extensive strategic leadership experience in aged care, public health and community services along with very strong board governance experience and qualifications . In her time on ACCPA’s board Geraldine has demonstrated a strong commitment to the work of ACCPA in supporting its members and the aged care industry. Join us in congratulating Geraldine in this new position.”
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