Clare boasts an extensive career in the health and aged care sectors, earning her a strong reputation as a transformational leader who aligns with Catholic values and the Mercy Health mission. Recognised for her integrity, diligence, and ethics, Clare is dedicated to enhancing service delivery and advocating for a personalised approach to patient and resident care.
With 18 years of executive experience spanning acute public health, private health, and aged care, Clare has held notable positions. She most recently served as a Senior Executive at Medibank, spearheading the strategy, implementation, and execution of Medibank’s short-stay surgical and mental health investment strategy. Before this, Clare spent four years as the Chief Executive of Cairns and Hinterland Health Service, preceded by a two-year tenure as Chief Executive of Mackay Health Service in Queensland. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to health administration in Queensland, Clare was honoured with the Public Service Medal as part of the Governor General’s 2020 Australia Day honours list.
Drawing from her background in nursing and supplemented by leadership and management tertiary qualifications, Clare brings a comprehensive skill set and unwavering dedication to her role at Mercy Health.
Building a sustainable care and support economy
Precis
Australia’s care and support economy spanning aged care, disability and health, is one of the nation’s fastest-growing sectors and a cornerstone of social and economic wellbeing. But with rising demand, workforce pressures and increasing consumer expectations, how do we ensure the system can deliver high-quality, affordable care into the future? This panel brings together leading voices in policy, pricing and service delivery to examine the economics of care. From funding models and efficiency reforms to pricing structures and workforce sustainability, the discussion will explore what it takes to build a resilient care and support economy that works for providers, governments and, most importantly, the people who rely on it.