Former Victorian Premier to Lead Private Healthcare Australia

John Brumby is set to begin his new role in May.

Former Premier of Victoria John Brumby attends the state memorial service for former Australian cricketer Shane Warne at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia on March 30, 2022. Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Former Victorian Premier John Brumby has been named the Independent Chair of Private Healthcare Australia (PHA), the peak body representing the nation’s private health insurance sector.

Currently serving as chancellor of La Trobe University and an honorary professor at the University of Melbourne, Brumby is set to begin his new role in May.

Brumby’s political career spans decades, including his tenure as Victoria’s premier from 2007 to 2010, treasurer from 2000 to 2007, and time in federal parliament from 1983 to 1990 under the Hawke Government.

Experience in Healthcare and Research

PHA Chief Executive Dr. Rachel David welcomed Brumby’s appointment, highlighting his extensive experience in both politics and healthcare policy.

“The health insurance sector will benefit enormously from Mr. Brumby’s experience and intellect as we continue to navigate critical issues for our mixed public-private health system,” David said.

She noted that Brumby’s leadership would enhance the expertise of the existing PHA Board, which includes representatives from both for-profit and not-for-profit health funds.

His government played a significant role in positioning Victoria as a leader in biotechnology and medical research, she added.

Significant investments were made in institutions such as the Florey Institute for Neuroscience, the Centre for Regenerative Medicine at Monash University, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, and the Australian Synchrotron.

Calling his new role a “real privilege,” Brumby emphasised the importance of ensuring Australians have access to high-quality healthcare.

“Nothing is as important to Australian families as an accessible and high-quality healthcare system. Almost 55 percent of Australians now have private health insurance, and the vast majority of Australians support a strong private healthcare sector,” he said.

Decades of Experience in Public Service

Brumby noted that his experience in politics and public service has given him a deep understanding of the significance of health policy.

“Through my time in Parliament and my work since then, I have seen first-hand the crucial importance of health policy and healthcare, from preventative programs right through to palliative care,” he said.

“High levels of participation in private health insurance take pressure off the public system and help the government in its goal of delivering a modern, accessible, and effective health system.”

Since leaving politics in 2010, Brumby has held leadership positions in various sectors.

He has chaired the Fred Hollows Foundation, the Australia China Business Council, the Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund, the COAG Reform Council, and the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute.

Brumby’s appointment to PHA comes at a critical time for Australia’s healthcare landscape, as the industry faces ongoing challenges in affordability, accessibility, and regulatory reforms.