The Albanese government has appointed 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 announced the appointment on Tuesday, highlighting Wainer’s extensive experience in public health as a key factor in her selection.
Professor Wainer transitions to this pivotal role from her position as deputy secretary for community and public health at the Victorian health department, a role she has held for nearly five years. Her appointment is seen as a significant step in bolstering Australia’s preparedness for future health crises.
Wainer’s Extensive Background in Health Leadership
With over two decades of leadership experience spanning government, healthcare, academia, and global health, Professor Wainer is well-equipped to lead the ACDC. Her career includes leading teams in communicable disease control, prevention, emergency management, and public health networks. She holds a PhD and a Master of Public Health from the University of Melbourne and is an enterprise professor at the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health.
In addition to her academic credentials, Wainer is a trained medical doctor with a clinical background in cardiothoracic surgery and thoracic surgical oncology. Her expertise and leadership have been recognized as central to building a trusted and effective Australian CDC, according to a statement from Health Minister Butler’s office.
“Her work is focused on embedding scientific rigour, operational excellence, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement,” the statement noted.
Establishment of the Australian Centre for Disease Control
The Australian Centre for Disease Control will be headquartered in Aviation House, Woden, ACT, and officially opens its doors on January 1. The establishment of the ACDC has been a long-standing advocacy point for the Australian Medical Association (AMA), particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The AMA has emphasized the need for a dedicated body to address communicable disease threats, enhance global health surveillance, and conduct epidemiological research.
AMA Vice President Julian Rait expressed strong support for Wainer’s appointment, citing her extensive experience in health roles both in Australia and internationally. “She had a key role in overseeing Victoria’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and led major reforms in environmental health and women’s health,” Rait stated.
“We have always said its credibility will rest on strong clinical and scientific expert leadership, which is what Professor Wainer brings,” Associate Professor Rait added.
Looking Forward: Wainer’s Vision for the ACDC
Professor Wainer’s vision for the ACDC includes enhancing Australia’s capability to respond to current and emerging communicable disease threats. Her leadership is expected to focus on strengthening health security, advancing epidemiological research, and fostering a culture of scientific excellence and accountability within the organization.
Prior to her role at the Victorian health department, Wainer worked with health insurer Bupa for nearly two years and served as a senior adviser in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Her diverse background and leadership skills are anticipated to bring a comprehensive approach to the ACDC’s mission.
Professor Wainer is set to officially begin her role as director-general on March 1, marking a new chapter in Australia’s public health landscape.