The leading advocate for co-contributions in aged care, Pat Garcia, outgoing CEO of Catholic Health Australia, the Not For Profit peak body for Catholic and religious healthcare providers, intends to continue his campaign to improve the sector.

In his first interview since it was announced he was taking up the job of Group General Manager of Public Affairs and General Counsel at St Vincent’s Health Australia, a Catholic organisation and the nation’s largest Not For Profit health and aged care provider, with hospitals and aged care homes in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, Pat said he will remain in Sydney. 

Pat told The SOURCE he will continue to play an advocacy role in the new job, but will also have legal and governance responsibilities. St Vincent’s has been a strong advocate for co-contributions and will continue to be, he added. 

Pat said the challenges in the aged care sector are “significant and growing.” In particular, workforce issues, COVID-19, and the speed of reforms all pose challenges.  

“The very fact that [co-contributions are] part of the terms of reference for the Aged Care Taskforce to consider is a massive step forward and bodes well for our sector,” he said.  

The SOURCE: Pat has been one of the strongest voices in support of Plan B. We expect he will remain so.