Private Healthcare Australia has appointed former Victorian Premier, John Brumby, to the position of Independent Chair.
Mr Brumby is Chancellor of La Trobe University, one of the largest providers of health professionals in Australia, and a Professor (Honorary) at the University of Melbourne. He is well known for his roles as former Premier of Victoria (2007 to 2010) and Treasurer (2000 to 2007), as well as his time in Federal Parliament (1983 to 1990) during the Hawke Government.
PHA Chief Executive Dr Rachel David said PHA was extremely fortunate to secure the skills of Mr Brumby who is well-respected on both sides of politics and has an extensive understanding of Australia’s health system.
“Mr Brumby is well known for his focus on health issues during his time as Victorian Premier. He drove several major hospital redevelopments, released Victoria’s first integrated Cancer Plan, introduced preventative health initiatives including WorkHealth, and negotiated multi-billion-dollar hospital funding deals with the Commonwealth,” she said.
“The health insurance sector will benefit enormously from Mr Brumby’s experience and intellect as we continue to navigate critical issues for our mixed public-private health system.”
Mr Brumby was also central to the Bracks and Brumby Governments’ efforts to make Victoria a global leader for biotechnology and medical research, through investments in the Florey Institute for Neuroscience, the Centre for Regenerative Medicine at Monash, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, and the Australian Synchrotron.
“It is a real privilege to take on this role with PHA”, Mr Brumby said.
“Nothing is as important to Australian families as an accessible and high-quality health care system. Almost 55% of Australians now have private health insurance and the vast majority of Australians support a strong private health care sector.
“Through my time in Parliament and my work since then, I have seen first-hand the crucial importance of health policy and healthcare, from preventative programs right through to palliative care. High levels of participation in private health insurance takes pressure off the public system and helps Government in its goal of delivering a modern, accessible and effective health system”.
Since leaving politics in 2010, Mr Brumby has held many distinguished roles in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. He has successfully chaired influential national and international organisations including the Fred Hollows Foundation, the Australia China Business Council, the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) Superannuation Fund, the COAG Reform Council and the Olivia Newton John Cancer Research Institute.
Dr David said Mr Brumby’s appointment will complement the expertise of the current PHA Board which includes representatives from both for-profit and not-for-profit health funds around Australia. Mr Brumby will begin his role with PHA in May.
Mr Brumby was awarded an Order of Australia in 2017. He is the author of several articles and books, including the 2015 book The Long Haul: Lessons from Public Life and the recent release of A Better Australia: Politics, Public Policy and How to Achieve Lasting Reform.
Media contact: Julia Medew, 0402 011 438 or Andrea Petrie, 0412 655 264