Health specialist leads AML Alliance
The Australian Medicare Local (AML) Alliance Board has announced the appointment of Claire Austin, who will lead the alliance as chief executive. AML Alliance Chair, Dr Arn Sprogis, said he was looking forward to working with Ms Austin, who has extensive career in the health sector, including aged care.
The Australian Medicare Local (AML) Alliance Board has announced the appointment of Claire Austin, who will lead the alliance as chief executive.
AML Alliance Chair, Dr Arn Sprogis, said he was looking forward to working with Ms Austin, whose extensive career in the health sector has included chief executive roles at the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners and the Rural Workforce Agency – Victoria.
“Ms Austin’s leadership and expertise in rural health issues, primary health care, aged care and disaster management, will further embed the AML Alliance and its 61 Medicare Local (ML) members into Australia’s health system,” Dr Sprogis said.
“Ms Austin has the experience and commitment to drive forward the primary health reform process.
“In what will be a challenging political and health reform year, her skills and drive will be a key addition to supporting MLs to achieve their potential and maintain the momentum in primary care,” he said.
According to Dr Sprogis, they were most impressed with Ms Austin’s commitment to achieving better outcomes and care at the community level through primary care which is the central focus of MLs.
Ms Austin, who will begin her new role early next month, says she is looking forward to the challenge ahead.
“Primary care is the cornerstone of our health system. It will be a privilege to work with Medicare Local members right across Australia and build upon the existing expertise and experience of the network both at the grass-roots of care as well as at the national level,” she said.
“Strong, sustainable Medicare Locals will ensure that Australians get the care they need, when they need it,” she said.
