More than 250 of the nation’s most senior health, aged-care and community leaders will descend on Brisbane next week for Catholic Health Australia’s National Conference to discuss the challenges facing Catholic ministries in years to come.
Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and of the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia, will speak on hopes for the future of the Australia Church following the Plenary Council.
Catholic Health Australia (CHA) is Australia’s largest non-government grouping of health and aged care services accounting for approximately 10 percent of hospital-based healthcare in Australia. Our members also provide around 25 percent of private hospital care, 5 percent of public hospital care, 12 percent of aged care facilities, and 20 percent of home care and support for the elderly.
The conference, entitled Facing the Future Together, will be held in August 22-24 at the Brisbane Hilton, and will be attended by Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles, with a range of speakers including:
- Former Prime Minister John Howard, who will discuss, among other topics, the future role of faith-based organisations in the delivery of health and aged-care services with St Vincent’s Health Australia chair Paul McClintock.
- Federal Aged Care Minister Anika Wells who will outline the Albanese Government’s response to reform of the Aged Care sector.
- Queenslander of the Year and disability advocate Dr Dinesh Palipana, who will describe his personal journey and the need for inclusion in the health sector.
- Dr Kate Charlesworth, an expert on environmentally sustainable health care, who will reveal how Catholic health and aged-care providers can achieve net zero emissions by 2035.
- Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner Janet Anderson, who will speak on the future governance of the aged-care sector.
- Calvary’s Martin Bowles, HCF’s Sheena Jack, and Professor Erwin Loh, Chief Medical Officer for St Vincent’s Health Australia, who will discuss the future of private health.
CHA Chief Executive Pat Garcia said this year’s conference was an important event as it brought the sector together after what had been a tumultuous time for members.
“The conference is an excellent opportunity to bring our sector together and to take stock after what has been a very challenging time for our leaders and their hard-working staff.
“It will be the first time that our health, aged and community-care leaders will have come together in three years, so there is a lot of learnings to share and catching up to do.
“We have some excellent speakers who will focus our minds on the future and help prepare us for whatever challenge awaits us.
“It is my sincere hope that over the course of these two days we can recommit to our common mission, share our ideas and experiences, and collaborate on our ministry.”