PRESS RELEASE: The 2024 John Deeble Lecture: Beyond Boundaries Leadership for Health

The Australian Healthcare and Hospital Association (AHHA) has today published the 2024 John Deeble Lecture, themed ‘Beyond Boundaries, Leadership for Health’, delivered by Professor Jonathon Gray, Director of the Commonwealth Leadership Institute and Professor of Innovation, Improvement, and Leadership at Swansea University.

The Lecture, first held in 2019, commemorates the life and achievements of Professor John Deeble AO, who co-authored the original proposals for universal health insurance, which we now know as Medicare.

In his Lecture, Prof Gray reflected on those environments that allow emerging leaders to face challenges and cultivate resilience. He also acknowledged the importance of building relationships and making connections.

‘Health care leadership is vital to our health care system, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration, ultimately enhancing patient care and safety,’ says AHHA CEO Kylie Woolcock.

‘But we must also allow emerging health leaders to contribute meaningfully and bring fresh perspectives to the table.’

‘This year’s Lecture recognises that while leadership is not a health reform initiative in itself, it is essential for understanding challenges, designing solutions, implementing reforms, and improving health services. Emerging leaders must play a central role in this effort,’ continued Ms Woolcock.

‘Whether addressing COVID-19, natural disasters, workforce shortages, or pressures within the health system, we must ensure our emerging leaders are equipped, supported, and connected to navigate these growing complexities.’

‘It’s worth remembering that John Deeble was just 37 years old when he co-signed the original plan for Medicare.

‘And as the 40th Anniversary of Medicare draws to a close, we must continue to reinforce the kind of health care that Australians want, honouring the legacy and principles on which Medicare was founded.

‘Recognising both emerging and established health care leaders must be integral to this commitment.’

The 3rd John Deeble Lecture, held on the 15th of October in Canberra, brought together an audience of public sector leaders and executives, health executives, and academics to reflect on the journey to date and examine the vision to come.

You can listen to our The Health Advocate podcast episode, The 2024 John Deeble Lecture and an introduction by Professor Michael Pervan, on the AHHA website: