Experienced human services sector boss Dr David Panter named new chief executive of disability service provider Minda

After a controversial few months, disability provider Minda has named its new chief executive.

Experienced human services sector boss Dr David Panter will take up leadership of the state’s largest non-government disability service provider, becoming the new chief executive of Minda.

Dr Panter, who will begin his new job later this month, has previously worked as chief executive of the Central Adelaide Local Health Network and was a driving force behind the new Royal Adelaide Hospital project.

He quit the role in early 2015 to become chief executive of private residential aged-care network ECH, where he has worked since.

Dr Panter said he was excited at the opportunity to build on Minda’s 123-year history of “outstanding leadership in the disability sector”.

“Minda plays a critical role in the community by supporting South Australians who have some of the most complex cognitive impairment and health conditions in the state,” he said.

In a statement, Minda said Dr Panter had more than 40 years’ experience in health, community and social welfare services in Australia and the UK – including more than 26 years at “chief executive level”.

Dr David Panter has been appointed chief executive of Minda. Picture Emma Brasier

He also serves as chairman of the SA Council of Social Service and a board director of the Australian Council of Social Service.

Minda board chairwoman and president Joanne Denley praised Dr Panter as “an outstanding candidate in what was a very competitive field”.

“His experience in leading complex service delivery organisations in the health, aged care, housing and disability sectors will ensure Minda continues to be a leader in the disability sector,” she said.

“David has long experience working with people living with intellectual disabilities and his vision, strategic input and proven leadership experience will be a great asset to our team.

“His passion and commitment to people across the disability and health sectors mirrors Minda’s core values.”

Dr Panter’s appointment follows a string of controversies at Minda, beginning in October when former chief executive Kym Shreeve and chief operating officer Jocelyn Graham suddenly left their roles and several other senior staff resigned.

Whistleblowers came forward alleging issues including chronic staff shortages and squalid living conditions, prompting the disability services watchdog to conduct extra checks on clients.

Earlier this month, SA Health confirmed Covid-positive disability support workers at Minda and other providers had been granted permission to work during their infectious period.

It came after the organisation told families 38 staff and six clients had tested positive for the virus by the end of December, and an additional 196 were forced off the job. Updated numbers are not known.

The Advertiser has requested an interview with Dr Panter.