The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) congratulates our Board Chair, the Honourable Jillian Skinner, who was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the King’s Birthday 2024 Honours List.
Mrs Skinner was recognised for her significant service to the people and Parliament of New South Wales and to community health, having served as the state’s Minister for Health (2011-2014, and 2014-2017) and Minister for Medical Research (2011-2014, and 2014-2015).
‘Jillian was instrumental in reforming the NSW public health system, increasing treatment, transparency and accountability with local district health boards, redeveloping hundreds of hospitals, boosting investment in IT,’ said AHHA Acting Chief Executive Adj AProf Rebecca Haddock.
‘Her tireless efforts in the areas of integrated community-based care, medical research and social policy programs including organ donation, pain management, improved palliative care and elimination of the transmission of HIV, are a testament to her dedication and hard work,’ continued Professor Haddock.
Mrs Skinner responded to the accolade by saying, ‘Over my two decades in the NSW Parliament, I had the privilege of working with the vast array of skilled dedicated staff across NSW Health to upgrade and improve our 200+ hospitals, better linking them with community care and providing greater local control.’
‘To be able to improve lives through increased prevention and better management of chronic illness was incredibly rewarding. My focus on social issues such as ending the transmission of HIV, increasing access to palliative care and promoting organ donation was my passion.’
‘It is this that motivates my continued involvement in numerous health Boards and activities since retiring, such as chairing the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association, which is in the unique position of being an independent member-based national advocacy body that provides a voice on current and emerging health issues.
‘This life has given me friendships that I treasure and rewards beyond imagining. Being made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) is an additional honour,’ said Mrs Skinner.
‘We are privileged to have Jillian as AHHA Board Chair, where she continues to help guide in driving collective action across the healthcare system for reform that improves the health and wellbeing of Australians,’ said Professor Haddock.
