David Clarke

Chief Executive Officer

David Clarke has had an extensive career in the leadership of not-for-profit industry associations and peak bodies across the disability, mental health, parks and environment, and workplace health and safety fields – most recently as CEO of the Australian Institute of Health and Safety (AIHS) for 8 years, where he introduced widespread long-term reforms. He has also conducted a variety of Not-for-profit consulting, has worked in government, and been involved in small business. He has sat on numerous Boards and government task forces/working parties. Trained originally as a teacher, he has an MBA which he completed with honours. David sees himself as a problem solver and generalist who supports and enables specialists to excel. He has led delivery of services, advocacy for social and legislative change, systems improvement and reform, and as a consultant, supporting boards and organisations to overcome critical challenges and problems.  David’s focus at the APA is to build on the great work which has been achieved, strengthening its advocacy focus, and long-term sustainability.

Bharati Eranki

General Manager

Bharati Eranki has more than a decade’s experience in Banking Operations, Lending and Zonal Office Administration at State Bank of India, India’s largest bank. She has a bachelor’s degree with Distinction in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry from Osmania University, India. She moved to Melbourne, Australia, after marriage and took a break from her career to raise two wonderful kids.

Bharati has a broad set of skills. She is heavily involved in research and projects such as the Patient + app and the National Health Scorecard where her IT skills are beneficial.

She is also responsible for overseeing our patient surveys including the AHI Report.

She finds her association with the APA as a great way to engage with the community and contribute to the welfare of Australians.

Dr Nick Coatsworth

Ambassador for Health Reform

Nick Coatsworth is an infectious disease physician, a respiratory physician, a practitioner of disaster and humanitarian medicine, and a senior public administrator.  Nick has led not-for-profit boards, Australian Medical Assistance Teams, government agencies and hospitals, whilst retaining his frontline role as a public hospital physician.  Nick provides a clear, credible voice for the health of the Australian community as one of Australia’s most recognised medical spokespeople. Nick is a Clinical Associate Professor at the Australian National University Medical School, and a PhD scholar at the School of Regulation and Governance.  His thesis examines Australia’s pandemic governance arrangements and their influence on crisis decision making in the early phase of the COVID 19 pandemic.  In recognition of his service to medicine and the community Nick received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Western Australia, his alma mater, in 2022.

Murray Brown

Partnership Manager

Murray Brown has more than twenty years’ experience in the credit management industry.

Murray joined the team at the APA as its Partnership Manager in 2016. Murray sees his connection with the APA as one that is mutually beneficial. While building partnerships in the medical and allied health areas he develops his own networks, communications skills and understanding of the health system and the myriad of issues facing ordinary Australians.

Tanya Collins

Support Line Manager

Tanya Collins is a Registered Nurse whose career has taken her across the healthcare and health insurance sectors both locally and internationally.

Tanya’s roles have included Private Health Insurance working at HCF as their Senior Clinical Advisor and for BUPA as a clinical auditor. Tanya has also supported medical practitioners as a risk advisor for AVANT in Medical Indemnity Insurance.

Her clinical background includes Critical Care, General Practice, Clinical Trials, Anaesthetics and Recovery in both the private and public sector.

Tanya brings a unique and broad understanding of the health care and Insurance sector and is well placed to provide patient advocacy and support. She is passionate about empowering patients throughout their health care journey and believes that everyone has the right to have the highest possible standard on mental and physical healthcare.