Nicola Roxon appointed AIHW Chair

Former Minister for Health and current Chair of VicHealth Nicola Roxon has been appointed as the new Chair of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).

The appointment comes as the AIHW releases its two-yearly wellbeing report, which shows a mixed recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

While Australians benefit from record high employment and continued flexibility to work from home, the report confirms that the global cost of living shock is having a profound impact on household budgets, housing stress and psychological distress — particularly for young Australians.

“The AIHW report shows the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to linger, as the global cost of living shock hits household budgets,” said Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler.

“This report highlights the crucial role that data plays in delivering evidence-informed policy. By identifying those most in need we can make sure that our policies and programs are targeted to the individuals, families and communities most in need,” said Amanda Rishworth MP, Minister for Social Services.

“This includes, for the first time, identifying the impact of government policy on people’s wellbeing. We are also providing cost of living relief for people in financial distress, including energy bill relief, increased eligible working age and student payments, support for eligible disability workers, increased bulk billing and cheaper medicines.”

Roxon will Chair the AIHW, as the institute looks to build on its legacy as an authoritative source of health and welfare data and analysis.

Since retiring from parliament in 2013, Roxon has had a career as a non-executive director on ASX-listed, private and not-for-profit bodies. She is currently Chair of VicHealth and the health and community services superannuation fund HESTA.

Image credit: iStock.com/Yossakorn Kaewwannarat