COTA welcomes Anne Burgess AM's 'strong voice'

COTA Australia — the peak advocacy organisation for older Australians — has welcomed the appointment of Anne Burgess AM to the role of Chair of the Council of Elders.

COTA Australia Chief Executive Officer Patricia Sparrow said having a strong Chair like Burgess at the helm of the Council of Elders is crucial in ensuring the voice of older Australians is heard in government.

“The council provides advice from older Australians to the government about aged care reform and aging well. Having someone like Anne in the important role of Chair of the council is good news for everyone, particularly older Australians,” Sparrow said.

“Anne has a wealth of experience and insight into the key issues impacting older Australians, including from her time on the COTA Australia National Policy Council, which makes her well-equipped to take on the challenging and crucial role.”

Burgess is a member of the COTA Australia National Policy Council, the current COTA SA Deputy President, the Chair of the SA Policy Council and a former Acting Commissioner for Equal Opportunity.

“We know that aged care reform in particular is a hot issue at the moment, with some in the sector trying to slow it down, so having a strong voice at the helm of the Council of Elders is vital.

“It’s also great to have a woman in the important role of Chair of the Council of Elders at a time when some of the key issues impacting older women in Australia need particular focus. Anne Burgess has an extensive track record of advocating on issues of real importance to women which will no doubt continue in this new role.

“We look forward to working closely with Anne to ensure the voice of older Australians is heard at all levels of government,” Sparrow said.

Burgess takes over the role of Council of Elders Chair from Ian Yates AM.

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