DEVELOPING STRATEGY FOR BETTER HEALTH OUTCOMES FROM A PRODUCTIVE AND EFFICIENT RESEARCH ECOSYSTEM National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) CEO Outlines Priorities
With
Professor Steve Wesselingh,
Chief Executive Officer,
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
AUSTRALIAN HEALTH JOURNAL SEGMENT
Filmed in Canberra | June 2025
Professor Steve Wesselingh serves as the CEO of NHMRC, having initially trained as an infectious diseases doctor. His career includes prominent roles such as Head of the Infectious Diseases Unit at the Alfred Hospital, Director of the Burnett, Dean of Medicine at Monash University, and the inaugural Director of SAHMRI. Under his leadership, NHMRC plays a critical role in funding health and medical research, allocating approximately a billion dollars annually to investigator-led projects, clinical trials, and various strategic initiatives. NHMRC also collaborates internationally with organisations such as the MRC and the EU, and manages grant allocation for the MRFF, which distributes $650 million each year.
An important aspect of NHMRC’s mission is to ensure the integrity of research conducted in Australia, which is essential for maintaining public trust. The organisation oversees the accreditation of human research ethics committees nationwide and is involved in developing and endorsing clinical guidelines. Professor Wesselingh emphasises the urgency of promoting the benefits of health and medical research in the face of recent skepticism toward science and institutions.
Prof Wesselingh advocates for the integration of research into clinical care, arguing that such an approach enhances patient outcomes and promotes equity in access to innovative treatments across urban and rural areas. Each year, NHMRC hosts an awards event to recognise the achievements of Australia’s top researchers, underscoring the organisation’s commitment to advancing high-quality science and its impact on healthcare.
Currently NHMRC is developing a National Health and Medical Research Strategy that aims provide national direction, build on Australia’s strengths in the health and medical research sector, fill gaps, and continue to attract researchers and investors to Australia. Professor talks about Australia needing a national health and research strategy, echoed by groups such as Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI) in recent years. The formation of the strategy is underway under Ms Rosemary Huxtable AO PSM, as Chair of the National Strategy with the draft scheduled to be released by early July 2025.
Source: Written by AUDIENCED
-
Role of the Chief Nursing Officer
Professor Alison McMillan PSM spoke with Australian Health Journal about the role of Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer at the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.
Alison was appointed as our Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer in November 2019.
In June 2021 Alison was awarded a Public Service Medal for outstanding public service to driving the Government’s national health response priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly to infection prevention measures.
-
Message from former Australian Health Minister Hon Greg Hunt
The Honourable Greg Hunt served in the Australian Government as Minster for Health and Aged Care from 2017, previously as Industry, Innovation and Science Minister and before that the Environment Minister.
Elected as the Member for Flinders in 2001, Greg announced his retirement from politics late 2021 and in 2022, ahead of the Federal Election, having completed 20 years as a public servant.
Australian Health Journal recently caught up with Greg in a relaxed interview at his home in the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria to hear how a 9 month sabbatical has allowed him to focus on family, fitness and future. This has even included some “brutal spin cycle classes!”.
-
From paediatric nursing to leadership & private hospital general management
With over 20 years of experience in the Australian and international healthcare sectors, Georgia Banks is a dedicated and results-driven health professional with a proven track record in clinical, financial, human resources, and strategic management. Passionate about delivering high-quality patient care, Georgia possesses an authentic leadership style that fosters engagement, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Currently serving as General Manager at Hobart Private Hospital within Healthscope, Georgia has been instrumental in driving operational excellence, enhancing patient experience, and supporting staff development. Her leadership has played a key role in aligning hospital services with strategic priorities while fostering a culture of accountability and innovation.
