Opal Aged Care announces new chair

Professor Shergold’s distinguished career across the academic, business and public service sectors spans more than four decades. He is currently Chancellor and chair of the Board of Trustees of the University of Western Sydney and serves on a range of private sector, government and not for profit Boards including AMP Limited, Veda Group and Australian law firm Corrs Chambers Westgarth.

Past roles have included Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and chief executive of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission.

In March, Professor Shergold was appointed chair of the federal government's Aged Care Sector Committee, tasked with building the foundation for a constructive and lasting partnership between the federal government and the aged care sector. The committee provides guidance to assist the sector to adapt to new demands and influence a greater consumer focus.

Professor Shergold was previously chair of the Aged Care Reform Implementation Council. Professor Shergold has resigned from the Aged Care Sector Committee to accept the role of chairman at Opal Aged Care.

“Australia’s ageing population will continue to demand greater choice in how they spend their later years and the sector has a responsibility to adapt and evolve to ensure we can meet these demands. I am pleased to be joining the Board of Opal Aged Care at a time that I can work with my fellow directors and management to influence the industry and continue to grow the business at this critical juncture,” Professor Shergold says.

Former Opal Aged Care chair, Ms Evans, says Professor Shergold brings invaluable experience to the organisation.

“The Board was committed to finding a Chair aligned to our vision of delivering specialist aged care that reflects resident and community expectations and I am pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Shergold after only a short interim period,” Ms Evans says.

“Together with the high quality investors that back Opal Aged Care, Professor Shergold will help the business strengthen its position in the industry and continue to play a substantial leadership role in the delivery of high quality care that sets the benchmark in Australia now and in the future,” she adds.

Opal Aged Care, which provides specialist residential aged care, has 3,200 beds across 60 homes, and employs more than 5,900 staff.