General Cosgrove chairs LASA

Former chief of the defence force and 2011 Australian of the Year, Peter Cosgrove, has been announced as the first Chair of Leading Age Services Australia (LASA).

The announcement came ahead of the official national launch of LASA at Parliament House in Canberra last Monday (21 May 2012).

LASA has been formed by Aged and Community Care Victoria (ACCV), Aged Care Association Australia (ACAA) and Aged Care Queensland (ACQ), to be a strong national voice for all providers of age services, regardless of whether they are from the private or not-for-profit sectors.

General Cosgrove (pictured) said he had been impressed by the strategic objectives of the founders and executives of LASA, as well as their values, commitment and passion for the aged care sector.

“I have extensive personal experience with the aged care industry, from a family perspective and professionally,” he said.

“Through this involvement I have long maintained a high admiration for providers of aged care services. These providers and those to whom they offer services deserve a better aged care system to work within.

“LASA, by our effective collaboration with all industry stakeholders – both government and non-government – will strive to deliver that enhanced system.”

ACAA president, Bryan Dorman, said the appointment of General Cosgrove was a “coup” for the new organisation, as he would bring his considerable expertise and extensive contact networks to serve on the Board of LASA.

“General Cosgrove was a prime candidate for his knowledge of the industry landscape and his demonstrated ability to advocate on behalf of numerous noteworthy organisations throughout the country,” Mr Dorman said.

ACQ president, Marcus Riley, also welcomed General Cosgrove’s appointment, stating LASA needed an experienced Chairman to lead it through the expansion and change of its early years.

“The entire age services industry is at a crucial point in its existence. We must have a strong and capable advocate to advise the Board and to guide the planning process for future decades. I have no doubt that Peter Cosgrove is just that person.”

ACCV president, Valerie Lyons, said General Cosgrove was “ideal” to Chair the new LASA Board, as he was an exceptional leader with a proven record of success.

“I am very confident he will be able to replicate the success he has achieved throughout his career, and that he will be a powerful advocate for Australia’s age services sector in this new role,” she said.

General Peter Cosgrove takes up his position as first Chair of Leading Age Services from 1 July 2012.