Senior Fellow in Health Policy and Leadership Meegan Fitzharris at the ANU College of Health and Medicine. Photo: ANU.
Former ACT Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris will begin a new role as Senior Fellow in Health Policy and Leadership at The Australian National University next week.
From tackling the challenges of the ACT Health portfolio to emerging issues in the health sector, Ms Fitzharris will develop a program to give senior health executives the management, policy, leadership and analytical expertise they need to steer Australia’s health sector through its next period of growth.
The policy-based role will bring her experience in public policy reform to research projects at ANU, and to students of health and health policy in the ANU College of Health and Medicine, the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific, and other parts of the university.
“I’m passionate about health and about higher education so this opportunity to join the ANU College of Health and Medicine is really exciting,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“Delivering exceptional healthcare to the Australian community is vital.
“There are challenges and opportunities for health professionals navigating a dynamic healthcare environment. This requires leadership skills to ensure healthcare leaders can engage in policy, technological and digital developments and lead teams to new ways of collaborating within and beyond the healthcare sector.”
In addition to the health portfolio, Ms Fitzharris has been Minister for Transport and Municipal Services, and Minister for Higher Education, Training and Research. She also chaired the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Health Council.
“With its world-class research in health and policy development, ANU is well-positioned to support current and future health professionals across the country.”
Ms Fitzharris has degrees with first-class honours in commerce and international development from the University of Otago and University of Auckland, respectively.
Before commencing her political career she worked for New South Wales Police, the Australian Federal Police and the Attorney-General’s Department.
Dean of the ANU College of Health and Medicine Professor Russell Gruen said Ms Fitzharris was perfect for the role.
“We need to bring multiple perspectives to tackle emerging challenges in the health sector and I’ve been looking for the right person to champion this for some time,” Professor Gruen said.
“I was deeply impressed with Meegan as a minister so I am delighted she is joining ANU.”
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