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Welcome to the Commission's new Board Chair and Members

CEO MESSAGE

On behalf of the Commission, I am delighted to welcome Professor Christine Kilpatrick AO as our new Board Chair for a five-year term. 

- Conjoint Professor Anne Duggan, CEO 

CEO Message - 4 April 2024
Welcome to the Commission's new Board Chair and Members

On behalf of the Commission, I am delighted to welcome Professor Christine Kilpatrick AO as our new Board Chair for a five-year term. 

Professor Kilpatrick takes on the role of Commission Chair from 1 April 2024, succeeding Professor Villis Marshall AC, who has held the role of Chair since 2013. She has served as a non-executive member of our Board since July 2023.

Professor Kilpatrick has a distinguished career, including healthcare management experience spanning 20 years, most recently as The Royal Melbourne Hospital CEO. 

Previously, Professor Kilpatrick gained significant clinical experience as a neurologist specialising in epilepsy, working in both public and private practice.

A highly respected health leader, Professor Kilpatrick was awarded a Centenary Medal in 2001 and appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2019.

We thank our outgoing Chair, Professor Marshall AC, who has made a significant contribution during a remarkable period of change in the healthcare sector. Under his stewardship, we have delivered system-wide improvements to safety and quality.

Professor Kilpatrick will provide strong leadership as we continue to drive innovation and reform to improve the safety and quality of health care in Australia. 

We also welcome Minister Butler's appointment of several Commission Board Members, also effective 1 April, including: 

  • Professor Jeffrey Braithwaite – a leading health services and systems researcher with a strong international reputation and deep knowledge of innovation and system reform culture.
  • Dr Alicia Veasey – a Torres Strait Islander obstetrician and gynaecologist with significant experience in First Nations advocacy in health care.
  • Ms Leanne Wells – a respected health advocate and former longstanding CEO of the Consumers Health Forum of Australia, who brings consumer advocacy and extensive governance experience.
  • Dr Helena Williams (reappointment) – a longstanding Board Member since 2012 with expertise in general practice as a practicing GP, which is critical to the Commission’s focus on Primary Care. 

We are confident our new Board Chair and Members all bring diverse experiences and fresh perspectives to guide the Commission, as we continue to work together to improve patient outcomes for all Australians.

Yours sincerely,

Conjoint Professor Anne Duggan
Chief Executive Officer


 

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M: 0491 217 641 | E: media@safetyandquality.gov.au

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