Australia’s aged care providers have a new united voice with the establishment of Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) which has officially came into existence on 1 July 2022.
ACCPA is the leading advocate for Australia’s thousands of providers of residential, home and community care, retirement and independent living combining the resources and memberships of Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) and Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA).
Members of LASA and ACSA took part in a historic vote in April 2022 to give their overwhelming support to forming a united peak body in response to a recommendation by the Aged Care Royal Commission for greater collaboration and unity within the sector.
ACCPA Interim CEO Paul Sadler says the new peak industry body will strive to be a high performing, authoritative and credible advocate for Members while using its greater resources and experienced staff to support and inform the sector.
“Now, more than ever, our sector needs a strong and well-resourced advocate on its side able to take the concerns and needs of Members to Government and stakeholders in aged care.
“We have a great deal of work ahead of us in the knowledge that the significant challenges faced by the sector have been exacerbated by the pandemic resulting in severe workforce shortages.
“Our priorities remain higher pay and improved conditions for our aged care workforce and a sustainable funding system for aged and community care services into the future, in keeping with the Royal Commission recommendations.
“ACCPA intends to drive the once-in-a-generation aged care reform sought by the Royal Commission in partnership with the government and key stakeholders so that we can deliver high quality care and support to older Australians,” Mr Sadler said.
“We look forward to forging a productive working relationship with the Albanese Government as we tackle the enormous challenges facing our sector.
