Released 03/09/2018
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Meegan Fitzharris today announced the appointment of the Director‑General and Chief Executive Officer who will lead ACT Health into the future, ensure Canberrans continue to receive the highest quality public healthcare and remain the healthiest community in Australia.
Following a national recruitment process, Michael De’Ath has been appointed as the Director-General of the Health Directorate and Janet Anderson PSM has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer.
On 1 October 2018, ACT Health will be split into two distinct organisations to bring the ACT into line with other jurisdictions. One will be focussed on the strategic policy and planning stewardship of the health system, and one will ensure the delivery of quality public health services to our growing community.
Minister Fitzharris welcomed the new appointments and said she was looking forward to working with both organisations to deliver patient-centred care across Canberra.
“As our city grows, as our community ages and as more challenges and opportunities emerge in healthcare delivery, we must make sure we have the most contemporary governance structures here in the ACT,” said Minister Fitzharris.
“Through the restructure we are future-proofing our healthcare system to better respond to our city’s current and future health needs.
“These two key leadership positions are incredibly important. Mr De’Ath and Ms Anderson will head up two organisations committed to keeping our community healthy through person-centred care, quality, innovation, engagement and accountability.
“They will play key roles in sustaining a positive and committed organisational culture. And they will both have vital positions as partners with our higher education sector to collaborate in health and medical research and support teaching and training of our future health workforce.” Minister Fitzharris said
Both Mr De’Ath and Ms Anderson have experience in health jurisdictions across Australia, working as senior managers responsible for key policy development and service delivery.
“Under their strong leadership I am confident our public health system will deliver the best possible care to Canberrans so that we continue to be the healthiest Australians,” said Minister Fitzharris.
“Ms Anderson comes to ACT Health following an extensive senior management career across the Commonwealth Public Service and experience working in a number of jurisdictional services, on health systems, health policy development and reform.
“Mr De’Ath has already demonstrated a strong track record for leadership of ACT Health and Michael’s senior, public sector experience from across Australia and New Zealand stands him in good stead for this important role.
“Minister for Mental Health Shane Rattenbury and I look forward to working with them on our health and wellbeing agenda as we continue to make record investment in our community’s health care needs.
“I know they are both looking forward to working with the skilled and committed ACT Health workforce, and working collaboratively with our important partners across the ACT’s health system and with the NSW and Commonwealth Governments.”
Director-General
Michael De’Ath has been the Interim Director-General ACT Health since early April 2018 and has led the Directorate over the last four months.
Mr De’Ath was previously the Director-General of the Community Services Directorate and has held deputy secretary roles in several Victoria Government departments, including the Department of Health and Human Services. In these roles Mr De’Ath was responsible for health funding and performance, child protection, disability services, public housing and youth justice.
Mr De’Ath has a Bachelor of Education, Masters in Education Administration, First Class Honours both from Massey University and an Executive Masters in Public Administration from ANZSOG.
Chief Executive Officer
Janet Anderson is currently Chief Coordinator of the Reform Management Office in the Northern Territory Government and led the response to the final Report of the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory.
Previously, Ms Anderson held several executive roles in the Northern Territory Department of Health with responsibility for health policy development, and strategic and clinical services planning and delivery. Ms Anderson has also held several senior positions in the Federal and NSW governments, and was Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Health at the University of Technology Sydney.
Ms Anderson has a Bachelor of Health Administration, First Class Honours from the University of NSW. She was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2009 and she is an Associate Fellow of the Australian College of Health Service Management.
Both Mr De’Ath and Ms Anderson will begin in these roles on 1 October 2018.
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases
Media Contacts
| Name | Phone | Mobile | |
|---|---|---|---|
Claire Johnston |
(02) 6205 0022 |
0452 597 459 |