New ACCPA CEO to speak at next week’s National Conference in Adelaide

Tom Symondson is set to deliver his first speech as CEO of Aged and Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) at the peak body’s National Conference next week. Tom, who officially stepped into the role at the end of September, says the first ACCPA National Conference will offer the chance to hear from speakers such as Aged Care Minister Anika Wells, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner Janet Anderson PSM, and opposition health spokeswoman Senator Anne Ruston.

“Our inaugural national conference gives us an exceptional opportunity to meet face to face and take the pulse of the sector, to learn about the progress of aged care reform, and of new innovations and opportunities to improve the lives of older Australians,” he said.

Tom takes over from interim CEO Paul Sadler, and says he will do his best to confront the challenges facing the sector.

“Over the past three years, providers have faced the perfect storm of COVID, a Royal Commission and critical challenges in funding and workforce. Yet, staff have continued to show up and older Australians have continued to receive the services and supports they need and deserve. “It’s evident that there is enormous resilience in our industry, and we need to build on that as we work to strengthen public trust and partner with government to achieve real reform which improves the wellbeing of older people, wherever they live,” he said.

ACCPA’s National Conference will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre from 12 to 14 October.