Five weeks into the role of ACSA CEO, Pat Sparrow identified her mission to be the completion of the ACSA move from a federated body to a national body, unifying ACSA members and to “do it as a business” – with firm objectives and firm outcomes.

Coming from her role as the key aged care advisor to the Minister for Health, Aged Care & Sport, Sussan Ley, Ms Sparrow stated the sector is a strong industry which needs to highlight its financial contribution to society. She also said: “What we do is important – it needs to be recognised”.

ACSA needs to provide sector leadership, develop strategic policy, strongly lead and respond to reform and create its own ‘data’ for advocacy.

For members she specified the importance of investing in the ‘image’ of the sector, with ACSA being the connection to government and advocate for sustainability.

It was telling that the Minister, Sussan Ley, also spoke at the conference and identified her high respect for Ms Sparrow and confidence that she would be a significant positive voice for the sector.