Movers and shakers
See who’s been appointed where in aged care and health. First up, there’s the Minister of Human Services appointment of the Council on Strategy and Innovation, plus movements at Amana Living, RSL Care and MS Australia- ACT/NSW/Vic.
Compiled by Yasmin Noone
- The federal government has announced the appointment of its new Council on Strategy and Innovation
- Industry movements at MS Australia -ACT/NSW/VIC; RSL Care; and Amana Living
A who’s who of health, welfare and digital experts has been enlisted to advise government on future social services delivery for Australia’s growing and changing population.
Minister for Human Services, Senator Kim Carr, has announced the appointment of the 17-member Council on Strategy and Innovation to shape service delivery into the future.
The council will provide advice on strategy for service delivery in the digital age, on innovation and on the department’s research agenda.
“So that we can continue to innovate and be more effective, we are now bringing together people with diverse expertise to help us shape the agenda for the next 10 years and beyond,” Senator Carr said.
Council members will meet under the stewardship of DHS Secretary, Kathryn Campbell.
They will be supported by a series of forums focusing on specific themes, such as service delivery policy, data and research, future technologies and building collaboration in delivering services.
“The challenge is enormous,” Senator Kim Carr said. “We don’t know exactly what kinds of technology will be available in 10 or 20 years, but we need to consider how new technologies can be adapted and used to improve services.
“We also need to consider how we make more systematic use of the data we collect when we deliver services. This is a key element of innovation in service delivery.”
The representatives included on the council are: Dr Steve Hambleton, president of the Australian Medical Association; Nadine Flood, national secretary of the Community and Public Sector Union; and Pino Migliorino, chair of the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia.
Above: Craig Mills
RSL Care has announced the appointment of its former chief operating officer (COO), Craig Mills, as CEO.
Mr Mills, who was COO at RSL Care since February 2012, said he was privileged to lead of one of the most trusted and respected aged care providers at such an exciting time of industry change.
“The pace of change and innovation in aged care over the next few years will be unlike anything in the industry’s history,” Mr Mills said.
“Not-for-profit health and aged care providers like RSL Care provide the lionshare of aged care services and will lead the challenge to transform an industry that better meets the needs of its clients.
“…We are an organisation built on courage, mateship and service – great ANZAC values. When you have the heart and soul that RSL Care has you have the platform to create something special for clients.”
“It is both an opportunity and a challenge which I am honoured and ready to undertake.”
Mr Mills has over 25 years of leading iconic consumer brands, including Uncle Ben’s Australia (Mars Corporation), Nestle Australia Ltd and Golden Circle.
He also recently led RSL Care’s operational response to the Bundaberg floods which saw the evacuation of the company’s Fairways Retirement Community.
The board of Multiple Sclerosis Limited, trading as MS Australia — ACT/NSW/VIC has promoted its COO, Robyn Hunter to the position of CEO.
The role, which has already begun, will require Ms Hunter to prepare the organisation for the reality of person-centred portable funding and influence the development of the National Disability Insurance Scheme on behalf of people with MS.
Ms Hunter, who has been the COO since February 2011, has a background in physiotherapy and worked in hospital and home based-rehabilitation settings for 10 years.
MS- ACT/NSW/VIC’s chairperson, Chris Gillies, said: “Robyn’s focus on a range of strategic issues, clear sense of direction and purpose will set her up for success in her new role as CEO.
“The board is confident that with this appointment, MS- ACT/NSW/VIC has both the leadership and the fantastic team of staff and volunteers to build on its existing strengths and develop in the new directions that will ensure future sustainability and growth.”
Above: Dr Robyn Lawrence
The WA aged and community care provider, Amana Living, has welcomed a new member to its board; executive director of Sir Charles Gairdner and Osborne Park Hospitals, Dr Robyn Lawrence.
Dr Robyn Lawrence trained at the University of Western Australia and worked as a clinician at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital before commencing training in Medical Administration in 1997. She was awarded a Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (FRACMA) in 2003.
“I was honoured to be invited to join the Amana Living Board, a group of individuals who are not only highly skilled in their areas of expertise, but also truly dedicated to making the world a better place for older people,” said Dr Lawrence.
“I am very much looking forward to working alongside them and the Amana Living Executive in developing the strategies that will help the organisation’s vision for the future of aged care to be realised.”
Chair of the board, Steve Scudamore, said Dr Lawrence is highly respected for her experience and innovation in health systems and reform and her recruitment is a great boost for the organisation.
“We are thrilled to welcome someone with the calibre of Dr Lawrence to the Amana Living Board, and very much look forward to working with her,” said Mr Scudamore.
“Amana Living is thriving with the visionary Mr Ray Glickman at the helm and the support of our highly skilled Board Members. However, we are living in challenging times, and need to continue to innovate through change. Dr Lawrence’s expertise and energy will be invaluable to that process.”
