The McGowan Government has today announced the make-up of the Advisory Council of WA's Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund.
The FHRI Fund was the centrepiece of the State Government's commitment to drive research and innovation in Western Australia by providing the State's health and medical researchers and innovators with a secure and ongoing source of funding.
Its establishment followed legislation that repurposed the WA Future Fund (the State's sovereign wealth fund) - allowing interest earned on it to be directed to local health and medical research, innovation and commercialisation.
Then the Advisory Council of eminent Western Australians will provide high-level advice to the Health Minister and the Department of Health.
The council will be chaired by HBF CEO John Van Der Wielen.
The other members are:
- Dr Glenn Begley - CEO, BioCurate;
- Mr Kane Blackman - Community representative;
- Professor Sandra Eades - Dean of Medicine, Curtin University;
- Ms Dale Fisher - CEO, Silver Chain Group, Adjunct Professor at Monash and Swinburne universities;
- Professor Christina Mitchell AO - Executive Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University; and
- Mrs Vicki O'Donnell - CEO, Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Ltd.
The members bring a diverse range of experience and expertise to the Advisory Council with consumer, Aboriginal and regional health representation as well as representation from the not-for-profit, business and health and medical research and innovation sectors.
The announcement of the council coincides with the launch of the WA Future Health Research and Innovation Fund Strategy 2020-2022 which will provide direction for FHRI Fund activities.
This inaugural FHRI Fund Strategy has been developed by the Department of Health, in consultation with stakeholders.
Future strategies for the Fund will be developed by the Advisory Council.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"This is another exciting moment for Western Australia.
"The establishment of the Advisory Council and launch of this strategy document represent important milestones in the evolution in the Future Health Research and Innovation Fund.
"It marks a turning point for health and medical research and innovation in Western Australia.
"'I'm excited about the high calibre people and expertise we've been able to assemble to support the FHRI Fund through the Advisory Council.
"They will be instrumental in driving a forward-thinking agenda to promote WA as a global leader in health and medical research and innovation.
As stated by John Van Der Wielen:
"I am very proud to be selected to Chair this Advisory Committee.
"There is nothing more important than the health of human beings and the fact that the WA Government has set this as a priority for the Fund to assist in the future health of Western Australians is a great decision.
"It is also a fantastic opportunity for Western Australia to shine globally as a research and innovation hub.
"I look forward to assisting the Government make a success of what I believe is a very powerful opportunity for Western Australia to diversify its interests and strengthen the health of Western Australians whilst also contributing to economic sustainability.
