The Albanese government has announced the appointment of Zoe Wainer as the inaugural director-general of the newly established Australian Centre for Disease Control (ACDC), set to commence operations on January 1. Health Minister Mark Butler confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, highlighting Wainer’s extensive experience in public health and leadership.
Professor Wainer transitions from her role as deputy secretary for community and public health at the Victorian health department, where she has served for nearly five years. Her appointment marks a significant step in the formation of the ACDC, a body designed to enhance Australia’s preparedness for future pandemics and health crises.
Wainer’s Extensive Experience and Credentials
With over two decades of leadership experience across government, healthcare, academia, and global health, Professor Wainer is well-equipped for her new role. She has led teams in communicable disease control, prevention, emergency management, and public health networks. Her academic credentials include a PhD and a Master of Public Health from the University of Melbourne, where she is also an enterprise professor in the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health.
In addition to her academic achievements, Wainer is a trained medical doctor with a clinical background in cardiothoracic surgery and thoracic surgical oncology. Health Minister Mark Butler’s office praised her as a “highly regarded academic and policy leader,” emphasizing her focus on embedding scientific rigour, operational excellence, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement.
The Role of the Australian Centre for Disease Control
The ACDC will be headquartered at Aviation House in Woden, ACT, and its establishment has been a priority for the Albanese government. The Australian Medical Association (AMA), a strong advocate for the creation of the ACDC, welcomed Wainer’s appointment. According to AMA vice president Julian Rait, Wainer played a crucial role in overseeing Victoria’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has led significant reforms in environmental and women’s health.
“Professor Wainer has extensive experience in health, with roles internationally and in Australia,” said AMA vice president Julian Rait. “Her credibility will rest on strong clinical and scientific expert leadership, which is what she brings to the ACDC.”
The AMA has long championed the establishment of a centralized body focused on communicable disease threats, global health surveillance, health security, epidemiology, and research. The organization believes that the ACDC will enhance Australia’s capability to respond to current and emerging health challenges.
Looking Ahead: Wainer’s Vision for the ACDC
Professor Wainer’s previous experience includes a tenure with health insurer Bupa and a position as a senior adviser in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Her diverse background is expected to inform her leadership of the ACDC, which aims to become a trusted and effective institution in Australia’s public health landscape.
Wainer is set to officially assume her role on March 1, and her leadership is anticipated to guide the ACDC in fostering a robust and responsive health infrastructure. As Australia continues to navigate the post-pandemic era, the ACDC’s role in disease control and prevention will be crucial in safeguarding public health.
The establishment of the ACDC and Wainer’s appointment underscore the government’s commitment to strengthening Australia’s health system and ensuring the nation is better prepared for future health emergencies. As the ACDC begins its operations, all eyes will be on Wainer’s leadership and the center’s impact on national and global health security.
