The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has officially welcomed the appointment of Professor Zoe Wainer as the Director General of Australia’s newly established Centre for Disease Control (CDC). Announced today, this pivotal role will see Professor Wainer at the helm of the nation’s efforts to enhance public health preparedness and response.
Professor Wainer, currently the Deputy Secretary of the Victorian Department of Health, brings extensive experience to the position. Her career spans various domains of health, both in Australia and internationally, covering medicine, research, and public health. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic in Victoria has been particularly noted.
Professor Wainer’s Accomplishments and Experience
AMA Vice President, Associate Professor Julian Rait, highlighted Professor Wainer’s significant contributions, stating, “Professor Wainer has extensive experience in health, with roles internationally and in Australia, including in medicine, research, public health and with both the Victorian AMA and the federal AMA.”
Her involvement in major health reforms, particularly in environmental and women’s health, has been exemplary. Notably, she represented Australia at the UN Convention on the Status of Women, underscoring her commitment to global health issues.
Role in Pandemic Response
During her tenure as AMA Victoria President, Associate Professor Rait witnessed Professor Wainer’s pivotal role in managing the state’s COVID-19 response. Her leadership in this crisis has been a testament to her capability and foresight.
Establishment of the Australian CDC
The AMA has long advocated for the creation of an Australian CDC, a vision that materialized with the passing of the Australian Centre for Disease Control Act 2025. The CDC aims to enhance the nation’s readiness for future pandemics and health challenges.
“In 2017, we called for the immediate establishment of an Australian National Centre for Disease Control, with a national focus on current and emerging communicable disease threats, global health surveillance, health security, epidemiology, and research,” said A/Prof Rait.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the necessity for a coordinated and expert-driven body to manage disease threats, a role the CDC is poised to fulfill.
Future Directions and Collaboration
The AMA emphasizes the need for the CDC to draw from a diverse range of expertise. A/Prof Rait stated, “We will continue to advocate for the CDC to be informed by a diverse range of professions, such as clinical medicine, epidemiology, public health, environmental health, occupational and environmental medicine, disaster medicine, veterinary and agricultural science, social sciences, ethics, technology, and communications.”
He further noted the importance of integrating real-time disease monitoring with the practical insights of clinicians, ensuring comprehensive connectivity across the health system.
Looking ahead, the AMA is eager to collaborate with Professor Wainer and the CDC staff on public health initiatives, particularly in preparing for future pandemics. The establishment of the CDC marks a significant step forward in safeguarding Australia’s health security.
