About us
We are an independent not-for-profit organisation dedicated to championing and protecting the rights and interests of patients and improving patient experiences and health systems. We represent people across all stages of health and care – in every part of the system – and work to ensure their voices are heard where decisions are made.
Our Vision
An Australian healthcare system that sets the global standard for quality, affordability, and accessibility - driven by the needs, voices, and experiences of every patient.
Our Mission
To drive transformative change in Australia’s healthcare system by empowering patients and placing their rights and needs at the centre of every healthcare decision.
Our values
Collaboration
We harness the power of working with diverse stakeholders across the healthcare sector. By fostering partnerships built on shared goals and values, we strive to achieve meaningful, patient-centred outcomes.
Courage
We act with boldness, bravery, and determination to do what is right for patients. Even in the face of criticism or adversity, we remain unwavering in our commitment to advocating for a better healthcare system.
Equity
We champion fairness and opportunity, striving to eliminate inequities within the healthcare system. We are committed to fostering balance, respect and equality in all our actions and interactions.
Compassion
We prioritise empathy and understanding by listening with care and sensitivity to the experiences of others. We stand alongside those facing challenges, driving solutions to improve healthcare outcomes and experiences.
Inclusion
We provide a platform where all patient voices are heard and valued, ensuring diverse perspectives shape our advocacy. We foster collaboration and empower all stakeholders to contribute to our shared growth and progress.
Our team
Director of Projects and Operations
Oanh Nguyen
Organising. Delivering. Enabling.
Chief Executive Officer
Lisa Robins
Building. Creating. Advocating.
Our Health Sector Ambassadors
Richard Skimin
Digital Health Ambassador
Bringing digital health expertise and leadership to advance Australia's digital health future and support the development of patient-centred telehealth standards.
Dr Nicholas Coatsworth
Health Reform Ambassador
Contributing clinical expertise, public engagement, government relations and strategic insight to strengthen the patient voice in shaping Australia's health system.
Our Board
The Patients Australia Board consists of passionate leaders dedicated to ensuring patients' voices are heard, driving advocacy, and supporting the organisation's mission to improve healthcare outcomes and empower individuals across Australia.
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The Board of Directors consists of independent non-executive directors who bring diverse expertise from across healthcare, governance, law, finance, communications, research, technology and the not-for-profit sector. The Board is responsible for setting the organisation's strategic direction, overseeing governance and risk, ensuring financial sustainability, and supporting the achievement of Patients Australia's mission and values.
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Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, the Board provides stewardship, accountability and strategic guidance to help advance patient-centred healthcare and strengthen the voice of patients in shaping Australia's health system.
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United by a shared commitment to improving the patient experience, Directors contribute their time, knowledge and leadership to help ensure Patients Australia remains a trusted and effective advocate for patients, carers and communities.
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Directors are elected for a three-year period and may hold office for a maximum of ten years.
Michele Robbins is a respected executive leader and board director with expertise in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and strategic leadership. She holds an MBA and serves on several boards.
Kaylene O'Shea is a member of the AICD. She is an experienced healthcare professional with a career spanning over 30 years in the pharmaceutical and medical research arenas.
Tamara Rowan is an energetic and collaborative leader with extensive experience in senior leadership roles across health, medical education, and the corporate sector.
Robert Lee is a health executive with a proven record of success in the development and implementation of strategic projects across the health and medical research sectors.
Srini Vasan is a highly experienced senior corporate executive with extensive CEO and CFO-level strategic and operational leadership experience.
Terri-Helen Gaynor is an entrepreneurial business leader with expertise in communications and stakeholder engagement across the corporate, government, NGO, B2B and B2C sectors globally.
Natalie Phan is a health executive, clinician and academic with extensive experience across the public and private health sectors bringing strong clinical insight and governance expertise.
Shiara Mutukisna is a legal and governance executive with expertise across the healthcare, pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, bringing deep expertise in corporate governance.
Our governance structures are built on a foundation of democratic principles, cross-sector collaboration, and independence. We are dedicated to transparency and accountability, ensuring our valued supporters - whether you engage through participation in our initiatives, make a donation, or partner with us as a corporate sponsor - are well-informed about how your contributions create meaningful impact.
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As a registered charity, Patients Australia Limited takes the corporate form of a public company limited by guarantee. Instead of shareholders more than patient members are the voting members. These members elect the Board. The Board in turn appoints the Chief Executive Officer who is delegated responsibility of management of the company.