Telstra Health’s managing director Elizabeth Koff adds another string to her bow. Plus news from Queensland Health, DoHDA and NQPHN.
One of the biggest names in the healthcare sector has been nabbed by the Australasian College of Health Service Management as its new president.
Elizabeth Koff, former secretary of NSW Health and the current managing director of Telstra Health, was appointed following a meeting of the ACHSM board at its national conference in Darwin on Tuesday.
Ms Koff, who has been the ACHSM’s vice-president since 2022, succeeds Dr Neale Fong, who is stepping down after nine years in the role.
“I’m honoured to take on the role of president at such an exciting time for the ACHSM,” said Ms Koff.
“Neale’s leadership has left an enduring legacy of growth, professionalism, and purpose.
“The College is in an excellent position to continue supporting members and influencing the future of health service leadership across Australasia.
“I look forward to working with the board, fellows, and members to build on that success.”
Dr Fong led the college through a period of significant growth. Under his leadership the ACHSM:
- Introduced the ACHSM Certification program, providing a benchmark for professional excellence in health service management;
- developed the ACHSM Competency Framework, defining the skills and standards for leadership across the sector;
- expanded its membership base and strengthened its national and international partnerships;
- delivered record-breaking attendance at its major events, including the sold-out 2025 ACHSM Asia-Pacific Congress in Darwin;
- navigated the challenges of the covid pandemic, successfully transitioning its professional development and networking offerings to virtual and online formats, including the rollout of free webcasts for members.
“Leading ACHSM through such a transformative period has been one of the great privileges of my career,” said Dr Fong.
“Our focus has always been on supporting health service leaders to grow, connect and deliver better outcomes for their communities.
“The introduction of certification and the expansion of professional development opportunities have strengthened the College’s role as the peak professional body for health managers across Australasia.
“I’m confident Elizabeth will continue to drive that momentum with her trademark energy, insight and commitment to excellence.”
The ACHSM is the peak professional body for health service managers in Australasia and brings together health leaders to learn, network and share ideas “which in turn shape our current and future health systems”.
Queensland gives up on CISO hunt
The Queensland government has thrown its hands up in the air and given up on its four-month long hunt for a new chief information security officer.
Back in June, Rob Champion retired after almost five years as the Queensland government CISO. Before that he was executive director of the state’s cyber security unit and then acting CISO and chief information technology officer.
These days Mr Champion is “providing specialist ICT strategic and tactical advice on a wide range of technology topics” via his own consultancy, Champion Solutions.
Deputy CISO Adam Smith was named interim whole-of-government CISO, but now the Crisafulli government has dropped the search for a full-time replacement.
Instead, they appear to have downgraded the role, renaming it “general manager, cyber security”, according to a Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business spokesperson.
“Responsibilities of the CISO will continue to be performed by the general manager, cyber security and the position will continue to report to the deputy director-general of data and digital government.”
Mr Smith will remain as interim CISO until a permanent replacement is recruited, leaving the government in exactly the same position, but presumably with a cheaper group of recruits to look at.
NQPHN is recruiting …
The Northern Queensland PHN is seeking nominations from GPs for the role of independent GP chair on its Clinical Council, who can be located in the Mackay, Townsville, Cairns, or Cape and Torres regions.
The independent chair guides and participates in in the NQPHN Clinical Council, which includes a membership base of GPs, allied health professionals, mental health and/or alcohol and other drugs clinicians, pharmacists, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander representatives, community and/or practice nurses, and others.
The Clinical Council participates in NQPHN’s review of regional health needs, is engaged in the design of commissioning programs and initiatives, and assists in reviews and progress outcomes in accordance with the strategic intent of NQPHN.
It meets three times per year for up to two hours, with meetings being held online via video conference.
Related
The Independent GP Chair is eligible for remuneration for preparation and attendance at meetings. This remuneration is in accordance with NQPHN’s Stakeholder Remuneration and Reimbursement Policy and Procedure.
For more information contact companysecretary@nqphn.com.au. Applications close on 20 November.
… and so is DoHDA
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is recruiting for several assistant secretaries to join its leadership team with experience in information technology and digital transformation.
Specifically, the Department is looking for applicants with expertise in:
- Enterprise resource planning (ERP) and SAP systems transformation;
- ICT service management reform;
- Development and delivery of community-facing digital systems;
- Strategic portfolio management.
For more information, contact Watermark International Search at search@watermarksearch.com.au or call 02 9233 1200. Applications close on Monday 3 November.
The DoHDA also wants an assistant secretary as its chief of cyber security and assurance – effectively the Department’s CISO.
“We’re seeking a proven leader with deep expertise in cyber security, risk management, and regulatory compliance – someone who thrives in complex environments and can build strong partnerships across government and industry,” said the job description.
For more information, please contact Watermark International Search at search@watermarksearch.com.au or call 02 9233 1200. Applications close Monday 3 November.
Finally, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is seeking a chief counsel.
“The chief counsel will work collaboratively and innovatively to deliver legal, FOI and privacy services in support of the Aged Care and Safety Quality Commission’s strategic and operational objectives,” said the job description.
“The chief counsel is responsible for leading the Legal Branch to ensure the Commission’s compliance with legislation and for providing strong practical, solution-focused advice on a variety of complex matters, including policy implementation and reforms, regulation and legislative compliance.”
For more information contact Jonathan Beaumont on 02 6126 4500 or email ACQSC@beaumontandbeaumont.com.au. Applications close on Sunday 2 November.