In a statement, Aged Care Justice (ACJ) expressed their gratitude to Mr Bryan Keon-Cohen AM KC for his significant contribution as Chair of the organisation since October 2020. Mr Keon Cohen, who founded ACJ in 2020, stepped down from his position on June 30, 2023.
The organisation, initially named ALARM (Aged-care Legal Advocacy and Reform Matter), was established to address the suffering and neglect of older Australians in the aged care system, with the goal of bringing justice to victims and driving sector reform.
ACJ has resources and fact sheets for consumers and aged care providers who would like to better understand consumers’ rights and avenues for recourse. Find them here.
Under Mr Keon-Cohen’s leadership, ACJ has provided legal support and assistance to over 100 aged care residents and home care recipients across Australia. They also developed legal education material, collaborated with allied organisations, made submissions to Parliament, and engaged with federal and state politicians to advocate for aged care reform.
Despite stepping down as Chair, Mr Keon-Cohen will continue to support ACJ as Co-Patron, alongside current Patron Tony Pagone AM KC, the Aged Care Royal Commissioner and former Federal Court Judge.
Mr Keon-Cohen has recently contributed an article to Inside Ageing, highlighting the importance of implementing an enforceable rights framework and a meaningful Charter of Rights under the new Aged Care Act, which would ensure accountability and a high standard of care for older people accessing care. Read it here.
Ms Sue Williamson, previously Vice Chair of ACJ, has been appointed as the new Chair. Ms Williamson, a Partner at Holding Redlich and an active volunteer in the palliative care industry, is determined to expand the organisation’s legal referral service and increase support for those in need. Her vision is to change society’s attitude towards elderly care, demanding respect and dignity for older Australians.
ACJ also welcomed Elizabeth Barton, a former aged care Registered Nurse and aged care activist, as the Vice Chair. Elizabeth expressed her hope that ACJ, through the expertise of elder law practitioners and insights from nursing and allied health consultants, will contribute to the development of the new Aged Care Act and ensure the preservation of human rights in the aged care system.
With the new leadership team in place, ACJ aims to grow their legal referral service and advocate for reforms that protect the rights of older Australians under the new Act.
Congratulations Sue on the role (and Liz as well), and thank you Bryan for your hard work, leadership and passion. It’s imperative for true aged care reform that government, the department of aged care and providers involve, fund and listen more to grassroots groups like Aged care justice and Aged Care Reform Now.