Increasing diversity a hallmark of Hospital and Health Boards

Queensland’s Hospital and Health Boards will have more than 50 per cent female membership for the second consecutive year following the announcement of new appointments today.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Cameron Dick congratulated 79 new or reappointed board members, saying they would contribute to the delivery of high quality health services in their regions.

“More than 750 applications were received for board positions and many of these were from very worthy candidates,” Mr Dick said.

“I’m also pleased that almost half of these were from female applicants.

“It’s also significant that 3 per cent of applicants declared themselves as being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.

“Five of these have been appointed today, accounting for 6 per cent of successful applicants.

“The members we have appointed are exceptionally qualified to ensure that our Hospital and Health Boards have the skills, the experience and the capacity to represent the health needs of the communities they serve.

“Many board chairs and members have been reappointed, providing continuity and stability.

“I congratulate all of our new and returning members and look forward to working with them towards achieving our goal of making Queenslanders among the healthiest people in the world by 2026.

The Minister said 44 of the 79 members appointed today were women, including the chairs of the Children’s Health Queensland and Wide Bay Hospital and Health Boards.

“As a result, 51 per cent of the state’s 143 board chairs and members will be women,” Mr Dick said.

“Last year we achieved more than 50 per cent female membership on our boards for the first time ever and we’re continuing that positive trend.

“We are steadfast in ensuring women are represented at all levels of leadership on boards and government bodies.”

Among the appointments are members for the entire Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Board, which resigned last year. Respected Cairns business and community leader Clive Skarott AM will chair the new board.

Outgoing Cairns and Hinterland HHS Administrator Terry Meehan and Gold Coast Hospital and Health Board chair Ian Langdon, one of Queensland’s longest serving health board chairs, will be appointed as special advisors to provide support to the new Cairns and Hinterland board for the next six months.

Experienced civic leader Jim McGowan AM, a former director-general for the departments of Community Safety, Emergency Services and Justice and Attorney-General, is the new chair of the South West Hospital and Health Board.

The 16 boards throughout Queensland are responsible under the Hospital and Health Board Act 2011 for local performance of their health services and the delivery of public health services within their communities.

The board memberships will take effect on 18 May 2017, with the exception of the Cairns and Hinterland board, which takes over from the current Administrator on 16 May 2017.

A complete list of all Hospital and Health Board appointments has been published in the 12 May 2017 edition of the Queensland Government Gazette.

“I take this opportunity to thank board chairs and members who have not sought or been reappointed for their services,” Mr Dick said.

“The contribution of boards across Queensland has been of great value to local communities and to our state’s health system.”

ENDS

Media contact: Michelle Wellington 0437 323 834