After six years leading Australia’s largest aged care sector peak body, Leading Age Services Australia (LASA), CEO Sean Rooney has decided to step down and will not participate in the process to recruit a CEO for the new aged care peak body, Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA).

Sean informed the LASA Board of his decision earlier this month. LASA Chair and new ACCPA Chair Dr Graeme Blackman AO thanked Sean for his leadership and commitment to the aged care sector during some very challenging times.

“Sean has been instrumental in getting us to the position we are in today, showing great leadership, passion and determination for the organisation, the industry, our Members and the older Australians in their care,” Dr Blackman said.

“Sean successfully led LASA through the unification of our previous state-based organisations into a single, high performing, national peak body. Over the past six years under Sean’s leadership LASA has grown to become Australia’s largest aged care peak body supporting Members and representing the sector through the Royal Commission and the COVID pandemic.”

In the near term, Sean will play a key role in ensuring the transition process that will see ACSA and LASA join together to establish the new Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA).

“When Sean’s role leading the Project Management Office for ACCPA and his duties as LASA CEO are complete, he will leave a huge legacy, which the whole sector is grateful for. I am sure you will join me in thanking Sean for everything he has done and for his commitment to this next phase of activity as we transition to ACCPA.”

In reaching the decision to step down from the role of CEO at LASA Sean Rooney said: “It was not an easy decision to make, but, due to a range of personal and professional factors, I feel it is the right decision.

“It has been a privilege to lead the outstanding team at LASA, work with a terrific Board, and do my best in representing and supporting the passionate and professional organisations and staff that provide care and support for older Australians. As I look to my future, I hope I can find other ways to contribute to the ageing and aged care agenda in Australia, whilst doing all I can to ensure that ACCPA realises its full potential.”

A search for ACCPA’s new CEO is already underway and ACSA CEO Paul Sadler will act as Interim CEO of ACCPA from 1 June until the ACCPA CEO recruitment process is concluded.