The Albanese government has taken a major step in bolstering the nation's health security, appointing the inaugural director-general for the newly established Australian Centre for Disease Control (ACDC).
Seasoned Public Health Leader Takes the Helm
Health Minister Mark Butler confirmed on Tuesday that Professor Zoe Wainer has been selected for the pivotal role. Professor Wainer will transition from her position as deputy secretary for community and public health within the Victorian Department of Health, a role she has held for nearly five years.
With over twenty years of leadership spanning government, healthcare, academia, and global health, her expertise is considered crucial for the nascent agency. Her extensive background includes leading teams focused on communicable disease control, prevention, emergency management, and public health networks.
A Credentialed Expert to Build a Trusted Institution
Professor Wainer's qualifications are formidable. She holds a PhD and a Master of Public Health from the University of Melbourne, where she also serves as an enterprise professor. Furthermore, she works as a principal investigator with The George Institute for Global Health.
A trained medical doctor with a clinical background in cardiothoracic surgery, she was described by Minister Butler's office as "a highly regarded academic and policy leader." The government statement emphasised that her focus on scientific rigour, operational excellence, and accountability is central to building an effective and trusted national disease control centre.
Broad Support and Operational Timeline
The Australian Medical Association, a long-time advocate for the establishment of an Australian CDC, warmly welcomed the appointment. AMA vice president Associate Professor Julian Rait noted Professor Wainer's key role in Victoria's COVID-19 pandemic response and her leadership in major health reforms.
"We have always said its credibility will rest on strong clinical and scientific expert leadership, which is what Professor Wainer brings," Associate Professor Rait stated.
The Australian Centre for Disease Control will officially commence operations on January 1, operating from Aviation House in Woden, Australian Capital Territory. Professor Wainer is scheduled to begin her tenure as director-general on March 1. In the interim period, Paul McCormack will serve as the Acting Director-General to guide the agency through its initial operational phase.
Professor Wainer's previous experience also includes almost two years with health insurer Bupa and a stint as a senior adviser in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
