The effective governance of the Norfolk Island Health and Residential Aged Care Service (NIHRACS) is a key priority of the Australian Government, with the appointment of three external members to the NIHRACS Governance Advisory Council (the Council) helping ensure the delivery of best-practice, fit-for-purpose health and aged care services on Norfolk Island.
The appointment of three external members for a 12-month period reflects the high quality of submissions provided by the applicants through the expression of interest process conducted earlier this year, with the three successful applicants demonstrating strong professional experience, skills and knowledge.
Two of the members are Norfolk Island residents with strong community ties and experience in clinical service delivery, while the third member is a strong leader in health service administration with health care delivery experience in remote locations. It ensures the inclusion of diverse views and experience in deliberations.
Please join me in congratulating the following members on their appointment:
- Dale Howe
- David McCowan
- Mary Kirk AM
The Australian Government has established the Council to oversee the management and operation of the health and aged care service and to ensure we are best meeting the needs and requirements of the Norfolk Island community.
The Council will be chaired by the Territories Division First Assistant Secretary from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications. Members will also include relevant government agencies, including a representative from the appropriate state partner. The Manager of NIHRACS will attend the Council meetings along with a representative of the Community Clinical Consultative Committee.
The Council’s primary role will be to provide advice and guidance on the effective delivery of high quality health services for the Norfolk Island community to the Australian Government, and to ensure that Norfolk Island residents are not disadvantaged by location or access issues. I thank all applicants who submitted an Expression of Interest and encourage all community members to engage with the Council through its members. We will continue to engage with the community in ongoing conversations around the delivery of targeted, essential health care
If you have any questions or feedback in relation to the Council, please contact the Office of the Administrator by email: office.administrator@infrastructure.gov.au or phone 22152.
Eric Hutchinson
Administrator of Norfolk Island
15 October 2021