Nations key decision makers at conference Q&A panel

Giving delegates the opportunity to hear from all sides of federal politics about their vision for the future of aged care, organisers have confirmed a parliamentary panel discussion on the first day of the event.

After officially opening the National Congress on Sunday, 9 October 2016, the Hon Sussan Ley MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care, Minister of Sport will join Shadow Assistant Minister for Ageing Helen Polley and Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert for the Q&A style panel, which will be facilitated by LASA Chief Executive Officer Sean Rooney.

Mr Rooney says ‘Super Sunday’ – the opening day of Congress – traditionally sets the scene for the three-day event with an afternoon of inspiring keynote speakers and updates about the strategic direction of industry reform.

Other Super Sunday speakers include Young Australians of the Year, Orange Sky Laundry founders Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett. These inspirational entrepreneurs are helping thousands of homeless people across Australia with the world’s first free mobile laundry service for the homeless.

This year the event is being held on the Gold Coast, and Mr Rooney says LASA’s National Congress is regarded as the most comprehensive, thought-provoking aged care event of the year.

“To gain the interest and involvement of Parliamentarians who all hold great influence within their parties and within the legislative process, shows that we are succeeding in putting aged care on the national agenda.”

More than 110 presenters will share their experiences, expertise and insights over the course of Congress, covering topics ranging from business management, funding, ongoing challenges and opportunities with consumer directed care, technology integration and the delivery of quality services.

A Gruen-style interactive panel discussion about marketing and advertising on the Tuesday afternoon will entertain, inform and enable aged care providers to reenergise their marketing initiatives and embrace new ways of engaging potential customers.

Mr Rooney highlights there are 3.6 million Australians aged 65 and over and this figure is predicted to more than double over the coming decades. “Now is the time for a public conversation on the future of aged care,” he says.

“We want delegates to leave the Gold Coast feeling empowered, inspired and energised to tackle the challenges that will come their way. I am confident that our program and speaker line-up will deliver on its promise of being the best LASA Congress yet.”