Palliative Care Queensland is delighted to announce the appointment of Louise O’Neill as their new Chief Executive Officer commencing 5 December.
Joining the organisation from her role as CEO of the Aged Care Workforce Industry Council, Ms O’Neill delivered reform for the aged care workforce, including bringing together aged care leaders, unions and consumers to make a consensus statement to the Fair Work Commission, which has recently decided to raise wages by 15%. Ms O’Neill, who has a wealth of public policy and healthcare experience, will take over from interim CEO Mr John Haberecht.
Through her significant experience as a registered nurse and a leader in the Australian Public Service, Louise brings a pragmatic reform-focused vision for palliative care to her new role based on a deep knowledge of the policy settings required for effective and inclusive palliative care in Queensland. Dedicated to supporting all professionals, volunteers and organisations working within the palliative care sector, Louise is determined to ensure that all Queenslanders have access to quality care at the end of life.
Ms O’Neill welcomed the opportunity to lead the state’s peak body, “The palliative care needs of all Queenslanders is an important issue for me, and I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to lead Palliative Care Queensland, build on the organisation’s significant success and ensure that we continue to advocate for care for Queenslanders and their loved ones approaching their end-of-life.”
“Throughout my career, I have been involved with the sector reviewing aspects of the end-to-end aged care system to inform future government policy and playing a vital role in the Living Longer Living Better reforms of 2012, including the Addressing Workforce Pressures measure. I look forward to bringing my knowledge and experience to Palliative Care Queensland and working with our team, stakeholders and community of care to advocate for positive change, connect communities and increase awareness of the challenges and opportunities ahead for palliative care in Queensland,” said Louise.
Palliative Care Queensland President Dr Anthony Herbert welcomed Louise to the organisation, “The Board and team of Palliative Care Queensland looks forward to working with Louise as we progress our priorities including workforce, sector funding, holistic and inclusive care, access to care in regional and rural locations, community engagement and innovation and research.”
“Louise’s experience of palliative care as a practitioner and public policy specialist makes her the outstanding candidate for this role and to lead Palliative Care Queensland into the future. We look forward to the significant contribution Louise will make to our sector, team, members and community of care.”
“The board would also like to acknowledge and thank John Haberecht for his work as interim CEO. John has been a long-term friend and champion of Palliative Care Queensland, and his invaluable leadership through our search for a new CEO is something our team and we are thankful for,” said Dr Herbert.
