Unified aged-care industry body to launch in July

Aged-care industry bodies Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) and Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA) are officially uniting, with the new organisation set to come into force from 1 July 2022.

Members of the respective peak bodies have voted to create a single, united organisation to represent aged-care providers. LASA Chair Dr Graeme Blackman AO FTSE FAICD said the decision was a landmark for the aged-care sector.

“This decision heralds a new era for Australia’s aged-care sector with a single industry association to provide a strong and united voice, as well as a helping hand, for all providers of aged-care services,” Blackman said.

The Aged Care Royal Commission recommended greater collaboration and a unified leadership representing providers of residential care, home and community care and retirement living for older Australians.

ACSA Chair Adjunct Professor Stephen Cornelissen said the decision meant aged-care sector representation can move forward confidently as it advocates on behalf of hundreds of members around Australia.

“We know from the Royal Commission that the aged-care sector faces enormous challenges as it undertakes reform and what is needed is the strongest possible representation to take our sector forward,” Cornelissen said.

Further details about the new organisation will be announced in the coming weeks.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/bas121