The Commission appoints Anne Duggan as CEO

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) has appointed Conjoint Professor Anne Duggan as the Commission’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Duggan has more than 30 years’ experience in the health sector and will take on the role of CEO from Monday, 27 March 2023.

As Chief Medical Officer of the Commission since 2021, and previously Clinical Director and Senior Medical Advisor from 2014, Duggan is well positioned to lead the Commission at a time when the safety and quality of health care is a national priority, the Commission said in a statement.

Duggan succeeds Adjunct Professor Debora Picone AO, who retired in September 2022 and was CEO from 2012.

Commission Board Chair Professor Villis Marshall AC said, “Professor Duggan brings to the role a deep understanding of the complex issues surrounding safety and quality in Australian health care, including the importance of partnering with consumers and improving the value and sustainability of our health system.

“As a respected, committed and progressive health leader, Professor Duggan is ideal to lead the Commission in its next phase and is well placed as CEO.

“Her experience as a practising clinician, policymaker and accomplished health sector leader is vital to the Commission, which has a critical role in leading improvements that underpin the safety of our healthcare system.

“Professor Duggan has championed a focus on improving access to quality health care, wherever people live. I have no doubt she will do a tremendous job leading the Commission,” Marshall said.

Duggan said she would continue to focus on improving patient-centred care for all Australians.

“I am energised by the evolution of our healthcare system in the digital age and passionate about finding ways to ensure better care by improving access to quality health services,” Duggan said.

“I will work for a seamless transition and ensure the Commission continues to collaborate with individuals and organisations across healthcare disciplines and jurisdictions, to respond to changes in the sector and to achieve better health care for all Australians.”

Prior to joining the Commission, Duggan was Director, Clinical Governance, with the Hunter New England Local Health District. She is a respected gastroenterologist and is also Conjoint Professor, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle.

Duggan is Chair of the Medicare Benefits Schedule Review Advisory Committee and has a leadership role on the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority and Medical Board Expert Panel relating to the review of cosmetic surgery.