Speakers

Prof Stephen Duckett AM PhD DSc FASSA FAHMS

Honorary Enterprise Professor - The University of Melbourne

Jacqui Lunday OBE

National Chief Allied Health, Scientific and Technical - Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

Jacqui is an experienced leader with an international profile and extensive multi-professional networks. Her previous experience includes:

• technical advisor to the World Health Organisation in Geneva for more than 10 years
• Chief Health Professions Officer for the Scottish Government for 17 years.

Jacqui was awarded an Order of the British Empire in 2015 for services to healthcare and health professions. She is:

• an Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
• a Doctor of Queen Margaret’s University
• a Member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.

Jacqui was Executive Director AHS&T for Waitaha and Te Tai o Poutini from 2018 to 2024.

Adjunct Professor Michael Moore AM PhD

Distinguished Fellow - The George Institute for Global Health

Michael Moore AM PhD is currently Chair of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) International Taskforce on Immunization Policy. He is a Past President of the WFPHA (2016-18) and the former CEO of the Public Health Association of Australia. Michael was Rotary International District 9705 Governor for (2020-21). He is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Canberra and a Distinguished Fellow at The George Institute for Global Health and was formerly a teacher and consultant. Michael served four terms as an elected member of the ACT Legislative Assembly from 1989 to 2001 and was Australia’s first independent Minister when he was appointed as Minister of Health and Community Care. In 2017 he was honoured by being made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

Dr Julia McCartan PhD

Senior Lecturer - Monash University Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food

Dr Julia McCartan is a Senior Lecturer at Monash University Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food. She is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with a professional career spanning over two decades and also holds a Master of Public Health. During her doctoral research, Julia applied critical inquiry methodology to examine non-Indigenous people’s power and positioning in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs, illustrating examples in academia, policymaking, and the food industry. Julia is passionate about embedding critical pedagogy in health professions education, with a particular interest in fostering critical reflexivity, anti-racism and critical consciousness in health professions educators, students and graduates.

Adjunct Associate Professor Sue Fitzpatrick

Chief Allied Health Officer - ACT Health

Adjunct Associate Professor Dr Sue Fitzpatrick is a speech pathologist who has worked in allied health leadership for most of her career. Sue worked as executive director of allied health in an Australian Health Service since 2015. In April 2024 she was appointed to the Australian Capital Territory – Chief Allied Health Officer. She completed a Doctor of Health Science in 2016 with a focus on allied health clinical supervision. Sue has successfully led across workforce and leadership development in allied health and has presented her work nationally and internationally and is driven by a passion for developing great leaders and achieving solid outcomes.

Dr Ingrid Lensink

Chief Allied and Scientific Health Officer - SA Health

Dr Ingrid Lensink is the Chief Allied and Scientific Health Officer (CASHO) within the Department for Health and Wellbeing in South Australia. She has over 30 years’ clinical and research experience in the public health and university sectors. Dr Lensink has experience in national workforce reform and policy development, particularly around the workforce pipeline, and previously led South Australia’s public health undergraduate training portfolio. As CASHO she has led the development of workforce strategies for the allied and scientific health professions, including development of an advanced practice framework. A passionate advocate for inclusivity and equity, she is also currently a board director for a non-for-profit disability organisation.

Rachel Elliot

Chief Allied and Scientific Health Officer - Safer Care VIC

Rachel Elliott is the Chief Allied Health Officer for Victoria. An accomplished executive healthcare leader and researcher, Rachel brings extensive experience shaping health policy, workforce reform, service delivery and system-wide improvement across the healthcare sector. Recognised for her strategic, values-led leadership and contemporary approach to healthcare transformation, Rachel leads with compassion, fostering collaboration, innovation and excellence across complex health systems. She has a strong track record of driving sustainable improvements at state, national and international levels and is passionate about advancing equitable access to care and ensuring health systems are responsive to the diverse needs of Victorian communities.

Throughout her career, Rachel has held senior executive and leadership roles, leading complex healthcare initiatives that have strengthened service quality, workforce capability, innovation and patient outcomes. Her expertise spans health service management, policy development, research and system reform, enabling her to translate strategic vision into meaningful outcomes.

As Chief Allied Health Officer, Rachel provides strategic leadership and expert advice on allied health policy, workforce development, professional practice and service innovation. Through partnership with government, health services, professional bodies, education providers and consumers, she champions the critical contribution of allied health professionals to delivering integrated, high-quality healthcare. Rachel is committed to building a future-focused allied health workforce that is skilled, adaptable and equipped to meet emerging health challenges. Through evidence-informed decision-making, collaboration and a focus on innovation, she continues to advance opportunities that improve health outcomes and support a sustainable, equitable healthcare system for all Victorians.