The Government will shortly be recommending to the Governor-General the appointment of Professor Stephen Duckett as Secretary to the Department of Human Services and Health.
Stephen Duckett, 44, is Professor of Health Policy and Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at La Trobe University, a position he has held since November 1993.
Professor Duckett is an economist with a Masters degree and a PhD in health administration from the University of New South Wales. He is a Fellow of the Australian College of Health Service Executives.
Between 1983 and 1993, Professor Duckett held senior positions in the Department of Health and Community Services in Victoria, including as Director, Acute Health Services, and Director, Policy and Planning. From 1974 to 1983, he was on the academic staff of the School of Health Administration and the University of New South Wales.
On behalf of the Government, I would like to express appreciation for the valuable contribution made by Mr Tony Cole, the outgoing Secretary to the Department of Human Services and Health.
The Government will recommend that Professor Duckett's appointment take effect on Monday, 14 November, 1994.
ADELAIDE
7 October, 1994