The peak advocacy body for older Australians has announced the Hon. Christopher Pyne as its new independent Chair.

He replaces outgoing Chair, Jane Halton AO PSM, who has been in the role since 2017.

The former Liberal Federal Minister served as the MP for Sturt from 1993 until he retired in 2019, and held several key ministerial positions in the Howard, Abbott, Turnbull and Morrison Governments, including as Assistant Minister for Health and Ageing and Minister for Ageing under John Howard.

“We believe that his leadership will further elevate our mission to create positive change and advocate for policies that enhance the lives of older Australians,” said COTA Australia Chief Executive Officer, Pat Sparrow, said.

Pat also acknowledged the contribution of the outgoing Chair, Jane Halton, who helped to expand the expertise of COTA’s board and also oversaw the transition from longstanding CEO Ian Yates AM to her leadership.

COTA Australia is a Government-funded agency, supported by levies on its State and Territory branches.