Media release – New CEO to lead safety and quality health commission

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) today announced the appointment of Conjoint Professor Anne Duggan as the Commission’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Professor Duggan has more than 30 years’ experience in the health sector and will take on the role of CEO from Monday 27 March 2023.

As Chief Medical Officer of the Commission since 2021, and previously, Clinical Director and Senior Medical Advisor from 2014, Professor Duggan is well positioned to lead the Commission at a time when the safety and quality of health care is a national priority.

Professor Duggan succeeds Adjunct Professor Debora Picone AO, who retired in September 2022 and was CEO from 2012.

Commission Board Chair, Professor Villis Marshall AC, said he was pleased to welcome Professor Duggan to the helm of the organisation, which leads national improvements in the safety and quality of health care.

“The Board is delighted to welcome our new CEO and we look forward to working closely with her to further improve the safe delivery of health care across the country,” Professor Marshall said.

“Professor Duggan brings to the role a deep understanding of the complex issues surrounding safety and quality in Australian health care, including the importance of partnering with consumers and improving the value and sustainability of our health system.

“As a respected, committed and progressive health leader, Professor Duggan is ideal to lead the Commission in its next phase and is well placed as CEO.

“Her experience as a practising clinician, policy maker and accomplished health sector leader is vital to the Commission, which has a critical role in leading improvements that underpin the safety of our healthcare system.

“Professor Duggan has championed a focus on improving access to quality health care, wherever people live. I have no doubt she will do a tremendous job leading the Commission,” Professor Marshall said.