Patricia Sparrow returns to COTA as new Chief Executive

COTA Australia, the peak body for older Australians, has announced the appointment of Patricia Sparrow as its next Chief Executive.

Sparrow returns to COTA Australia with extensive experience in human services over a long career including in local and state governments and the non-government sector, and as an aged care advisor to federal ministers. She is an experienced Chief Executive Officer having fulfilled that role at Vision 2020 Australia and the peak body for non-profit aged care providers, Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) for five years.

She will replace Ian Yates AM, D Univ (Flinders) who has played pivotal roles in Councils on the Ageing for over 33 years, including 20 years at the helm of COTA Australia.

COTA Australia Chair Professor Jane Halton AO PSM said the appointment of Sparrow would ensure great continuity in the organisation’s vital role as the peak policy and advocacy body representing older Australians.

“Patricia Sparrow has a wealth of experience and brings with her a great passion for the rights and wellbeing of older Australians,” Halton said.

“While Australia has come a long way when it comes to understanding and respecting the rights and needs of older Australians, there is still a long way to go, and Patricia is the ideal person to help us navigate the challenges ahead.”

Sparrow, who will begin the role in December, said, “I am truly excited to be taking up the reins at COTA Australia. Age discrimination, employment, cost of living, retirement incomes and secure housing, especially for older women — as well as aged care — are amongst the nation’s biggest challenges for the next few decades and ones that I am passionate about addressing. My priorities will be to improve equality in the delivery of all services and harness the power of the new generation of older Australians for good.

“It will be a big challenge to fill Ian’s shoes but I’m confident that with the talented COTA Australia team and my background across consumer advocacy, government and business we have the right tools to take COTA Australia forward and improve outcomes for older people.”

Halton also paid tribute to the outgoing Chief Executive, saying the contribution Ian Yates has made cannot be underestimated.

“Ian Yates has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of older Australians for over three decades and in that time has been instrumental in pushing for and achieving crucial reforms such as the increase to the aged pension, superannuation reform and especially major aged care reforms, as well as countless other measures which have helped improve the lives of older Australians.”

Image: Supplied.