CHA strengthens its health advocacy work with new appointment

Catholic Health Australia (CHA) today announced the appointment of Dr Katharine Bassett as its new Director of Health Policy, in a further strengthening of its advocacy work for a fairer, more equitable health system.

Katharine joins CHA from the Australian Medical Association (AMA), where she has worked for almost three years, most recently as Manager of Research and Reform. She has held previous roles at consultancy firm KPMG where she worked with federal, state and territory governments across the health, ageing, and social services sector.

Catholic Health Australia Chief Executive Jason Kara said Katharine’s experience puts her in good stead for the role.

“We are thrilled to have Katharine join us at a critical time for healthcare in Australia,” Mr Kara said.

“Like the AMA, CHA has a long history of health policy development and reform, and we look forward to her working on behalf of our members to achieve better health outcomes for all Australians.

“Katharine will continue the great work we are doing to ensure our hospitals remain viable, that patients benefit more from their private health insurance, and that our private hospital system is put on a more sustainable footing,” Mr Kara said.

CHA members include more than 80 public and private hospitals who provide over 15 per cent of hospital-based healthcare in Australia.

Katharine will work closely with the CHA senior team, including Alex Lynch (Director of Public Health and In Home Support Policy), Laura Haylen (Director of Aged Care Policy), Brigid Meney (Director of Mission and Strategy) and Adrian Kerr (Director of Communications and Governance).

“Our mission is to continue advocating for a more viable, equitable and robust healthcare system so we can deliver care to those who need it most,” Mr Kara said.

Katharine holds a PhD in clinical immunology and a Bachelor of Medical Science from the Australian National University. She will commence her new role on April 30.