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Congress

APHA 41st National Congress

Wednesday 10 – Friday 12 April 2024,
RACV Royal Pines, Gold Coast

About

The Australian Private Hospitals Association (APHA) extends a warm invitation for you to join us for the APHA 41st National Congress (APHA Congress) in 2024 on the Gold Coast.

The APHA Congress will reflect on some of
the challenging conditions private hospitals
have been operating in since the COVID-19
pandemic hit our shores. Sustainability remains a key issue for the sector, both environmental and in the business as a whole. In addition, the APHA Congress will discuss leadership along with cyber security, AI and robotics which remain areas of interest for the sector.

These issues and others will be the subject
of panel discussions, keynote addresses and
many conversations on the sidelines of the
event. The APHA Congress will hear from
experts in their fields, hospital representatives
and some inspirational speakers.

In 2024 the APHA Gala Dinner will be another
wonderful networking opportunity and will also celebrate the APHA Awards for Excellence
recognising the fantastic work being done in
private hospitals.

This APHA Congress will bring together
hospital leaders, experts and representatives
from across Australia’s health system. By
joining APHA as a partner exhibitor or sponsor
at the APHA Congress you will have the
opportunity to network with a number of key
decision makers in the private hospital sector.

APHA looks forward to welcoming you to the
APHA 41st National Congress.

Registration

The APHA Congress will be held over three days from Wednesday 10 April to Friday 12 April 2024, with the Welcome Reception on Wednesday 10 April 2024.

On or before Monday 15 January 2024

Day Registration
All tickets

$

1000

  • EARLY BIRD

Full Registration
Non-Member

$

1650

  • EARLY BIRD

Full Registration
Member

$

1300

  • EARLY BIRD

Tuesday 16 January 2024 onwards

Day Registration
All tickets

$

1100

  • STANDARD

Full Registration
Non-Member

$

1750

  • STANDARD

Full Registration
Member

$

1650

  • STANDARD

Registrations include access to APHA congress sessions, exhibition, and catering (morning/afternoon tea and lunch), one ticket to the Welcome Reception and one ticket to the APHA Congress Gala dinner.

Day registrations do not include tickets to the social functions. Delegates must purchase a ticket to attend these events.

The following costs will apply for day registrations or additional tickets:
Welcome Reception – $95pp
Congress Gala Dinner – $190pp

VISA, Mastercard and AMEX are accepted.

Please note credit card payments attract a fee. This fee will be added to the amount currently showing once you select your card type. VISA 1.65 percent, Mastercard 1.25 percent, AMEX 3.03 percent.

All communication with registered delegates will be by email. All registrations will be sent a confirmation letter and tax invoice within a few minutes of finalising registration online. If you do not receive the email, please check your spam/junk folder prior to contacting conference@aomevents.com as it might have been viewed as spam/junk mail by your mail system.

If your email address has changed since completing the registration form, be sure to advise your new email address to conference@aomevents.com. If you do not supply an email address your confirmation letter and tax invoice will be faxed or posted.

Delegates who find themselves unable to attend the APHA Congress after submitting their online registration are most welcome to nominate a substitute. All substitutions and cancellations must be made by email to conference@aomevents.com.

Cancellations received before Monday 15 January 2024 will be refunded, less an administration fee of $150.00.

Between Tuesday 16 January 2024 and Monday 19 February 2024 – 50 percent cancellation fee will apply
Tuesday 20 February 2024 onwards 100 percent cancellation fee.

Please see our terms and conditions.

RACV Royal Pines Resort,
Gold Coast

Enjoy stunning views of the Gold Coast skyline or the Queensland hinterland from your 5-star accommodation at RACV Royal Pines Resort

Located just 12 minutes’ drive from the centre of Surfers Paradise, this 100-hectare resort is set on a 27-hole championship golf course with driving range,

Royal Pines is home to new-look accommodation options, authentic culinary experiences and a resort that has a little bit of business and a little bit pleasure all in one.

Whether you’re seeking tranquillity at our day spa or a way to entertain the kids, you’ll find it at RACV Royal Pines Resort. 

A 27-hole golf course, eight bars and eateries, relaxing day spa, kids waterpark, award-winning event venues and more.

Accommodation

With 333 accommodation rooms, RACV Royal Pines Resort offers a variety of premium rooms and suites, each presenting sweeping views of the Gold Coast hinterland or lush greenery overlooking the championship golf course.

All rooms and suites boast an array of amenities, including wide-screen televisions, air-conditioning, a selection of in-house movies, an elegant work desk, tea and coffee facilities and a secure in-room safe, providing all guests with the comfort and convenience needed,

Program*

The APHA 41st National Congress brings together leaders from across the private health care sector to discuss the ever changing health landscape in Australia.

*This is a draft program. The final will be released closer to the congress.

Wednesday 10 April 2024

TimeSession
12.00 – 15.00Registration desk open
16.30 – 19.00Registration desk open
17.00 – 19.00Welcome reception

Thursday 11 April 2024

TimeSessionDescriptionSpeakers
07.30 – 08.30Sponsored breakfast sessionDedalus
09.10 – 09.20Congress opening: Welcome to Country
09.20 – 09.30Diamond Sponsor Welcome: HESTA
09.30 – 10.45APHA Awards for Excellence FinalistsNew and innovative programs and projects: APHA Awards for Excellence finalists
10.45 – 11.15Morning tea
11.15 – 11.40President’s AddressAPHA National PresidentChristine Gee
11.40 – 12.30Panel session: State of the nationThere are as many opinions on what is right and wrong with Australia’s health system as there are people in and around the system. What do health care leaders think is the greatest challenge for our system and how do we fix it? Hear from the experts.Kylie Woodcock,

Sue Dunlevy

Steve Robson

Mark Butler

Anne Ruston

Anne Duggan

Martin Fletcher

Rachael David,

Michael Roff
12.30 – 13.15Keynote: Leadership in challenging timesMajor Matina Jewell has been featured on the ABC’s Australian Story, is a best-selling author and now shares her unique insights on leadership and resilience with audiences around the word as a keynote speaker.Matina Jewell
13.15 – 14.05Lunch
14.10 – 14.55Panel session: Private hospitals in the healthcare landscapePost COVID-19, the Australian healthcare landscape has changed, particularly for the private hospital sector. This session examines where private hospitals fit within the health system and looks at the key issues facing our industry and explores some of the solutions to emerging challenges.Colby O’Brien

Melissa Carter
15.00 – 15.30Afternoon tea
15.30 – 16.15Panel session: Challenges and how to tackle themLooking outside the private hospital sector, what can we learn from other health care players about meeting challenges and a changed environment? How can we take the example of others and employ it to turn our own challenges into opportunities?Liesel Wett

Mark Simpson
16.30 – 17.30Independent hospitals forum
18.30 – 22.30APHA Gala DinnerThe APHA Congress Gala Dinner is to be held at Movie World, Gold Coast

Friday 12 April 2024

TimeSessionDescriptionSpeakers
07.30 – 08.30Sponsored breakfast sessionPersonify Care
09.00 – 09.10Welcome
09.15 – 10.15Panel session: Technology and AIArtificial Intelligence is mainstream. No longer the stuff of science fiction movies, AI is being used across the community including in health care. What are the next steps for AI in health care and how can we maximise AI tools in hospital management? Alison Choy Flannagan

Prof. Malcolm Pradhan
10.15 – 10.45Morning tea
10.45 – 11.30Panel session: The future of private healthcareWhat do the payers think? The other half of the private health care model, the private health insurers have their own view of the future of private health care in the current, medium and long term. What do they see as the future of private health care, how do they want providers to engage in negotiations and what new models of care do they support?Andrew Sando

Judith Day
11.40 – 12.10Panel session: Environmental sustainabilityHear from peers with practical examples you can employ in your hospital to improve environmental sustainability.
12.10 – 12.40Short keynote: The challenge of moving to digitalAs health care is digitalised how does the private sector keep up with a public sector being funded to change? What options are there for the private sector and how do we prioritise this along with providing high quality health care?Laura Toyne
12.40 – 13.40Lunch
13.45 – 14.30Keynote: Cyber securityIn early October 2022, Justin Butcher from general practice business Pinnacle Health in New Zealand was hit with a ransomware attack by Russian hackers. Justin will take you through the breach, but also the week by week fall out from the attack, summarising key lessons for the business.Justin Butcher
14.30 – 15.15Closing Keynote:Emma Carey is a writer, artist, speaker and entrepreneur. After following her love for travel and adventure around the world, she found herself in Switzerland where an unexpected near-death experience completely altered her life. 
Emma Carey
15.15 – 15.30Closing remarks
15.30 – 16.00Afternoon tea

Speakers

Major Matina Jewell has been featured on the ABC’s Australian Story, is a best-selling author and will share her insights on leadership and resilience.

Matina Jewell grew up in the Bryon Bay hinterland, joining the Army aged 17. During her 15-year military career, Matina served on five missions and earned nine military service and war medals.

She is the only Australian to receive two Republic of Lebanon war medals for acts of bravery on the battlefield and being wounded in combat. She was also the first woman in the Australian Army to complete the physically demanding Navy divers’ course and served with the American Navy Seals.

Ms Jewell earned her military accolades in some of the toughest environments on earth. Her courageous decision-making, dutiful leadership style and purpose driven approach to building resilience in teams to thrive through change continues to be transformative for leading organisations globally.

Among her many honorary roles, Ms Jewell is a founding ambassador for Project Thankful, a movement partnered with the United Nations to help empower women and children globally.

She is a transformative leader providing a life-changing perspective from the front-line of leadership, resilience, and change.

Michael Roff is the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Private Hospitals Association (APHA). Michael joined APHA as Public Affairs Manager in 1994 and was appointed CEO in 2000.

Prior to joining APHA, Michael worked as an assistant to a Justice of the High Court and as a Policy Advisor to Ministers in the New South Wales and ACT Governments. He also spent several years in Sydney as a public affairs manager with a major national industry association.

APHA is the peak national body representing the interests of the private hospital sector, with a diverse membership that includes large and small hospitals and day surgeries, for profit and not for profit hospitals, groups as well as independent facilities, located in metropolitan, regional and rural areas throughout Australia.

For more than ten years, Michael has also served on the Board of the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards in addition to holding appointments on a wide range of government and industry advisory bodies.

Ms Carey is a writer, artist, speaker and entrepreneur. After following her love for travel and adventure around the world, she found herself in Switzerland where an unexpected near-death experience completely altered her life. 

She defied all odds by surviving a skydiving accident that broke her spine and left her a paraplegic, she defied them once more by learning to walk again after doctors told her she wouldn’t. Following the turbulence and transformation of her accident, she has been on a mission to share her unique story in hopes to inspire and enhance the lives of those around her. She has amassed over 190,000 Instagram followers and is now a famed author (“The Girl Who Fell From The Sky”).

She feels excited about this next chapter in her life – moving forward from what happened to her and rediscovering her love of travel and adventure.

Justin Butcher has been with Pinnacle since 2013 in a variety of roles and has over 20 years’ experience working in New Zealand’s health system. His general practice knowledge, and clinical background as a critical care paramedic, give him a deep understanding of the complexities the health workforce face on a daily basis.

Pinnacle is one of the largest primary health organisations in New Zealand. Known as an innovator within primary care, Pinnacle provides services to significant rural and Maori population groups and was responsible for the design and implementation of new models of primary care including the Health Care Home.

Health system leadership is Mr Butcher’s area of special interest, and he holds a Masters in Strategic Leadership and Innovation. He enjoys fostering collaboration to solve problems and develop new services.

Liesel Wett is an experienced CEO, Chair, and Non-Executive Director with over two decade’s experience operating at Board level both as a NED and as a CEO.

Liesel is the CEO of Australian Pathology, where she has built a strong working understanding and connections into the Australian Government, and she navigates and influences the workings of the Federal Government, its systems, legislation and regulation processes. She has been successful in influencing national health policy in order to negotiate large multi-billion-dollar agreements at Ministerial level, and make representations to Government inquiries to provide evidence and submissions to Royal Commissions and Senate Inquiries. Liesel has solid networks in the Federal Government and the Federal Opposition as well as numerous Commonwealth Departments.

Liesel is also the Chair of the Board of Goodwin Aged Care, a large Aged Care provider with its origin in the Canberra region, a role she has held for three terms. Liesel has held previous NED roles on the national board of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a NED on Doctors Health Services.

Liesel was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the July Queen’s Birthday 2022 Honours and Awards list for her service to Medical Administration.

Judith Day has extensive experience in the hospital and the healthcare sector, having worked primarily in private hospitals over the last 25+ years. Judith’s current position is the Director of Healthcare Management and Partnerships at Bupa. 

Prior to this, Judith was the Director – Revenue and Health Fund Relations at St Vincent’s Health Australia and prior to that she held senior positions including National Director Private Hospitals at Calvary Healthcare, Deputy CEO, CFO and CIO at Cabrini Healthcare, and Director of Finance at St Andrew’s Hospital.

Colby O’Brien is a Partner in EY’s Strategy business and advises corporates, Government, regulators and investors across the health and human services system.

Colby has a keen interest in long-term financial sustainability and has been and is involved in broad sector reforms across the health system.

Colby recently led the review of the financial sustainability of the private hospital sector on behalf of the APHA

Mel Carter has a Bachelor of Business in Accounting and Legal Studies and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (Australia and New Zealand).

Mel has extensive experience in leadership and engagement with a proven record of adding value through the public health sector.

Mel has held senior positions in both New South Wales and Queensland Health for the past 14 years. She has led the allocation of $18B of funding for purchasing of Health and Hospital Services ensuring delivery of health outcomes as specified in HHS Service Agreements and has managed the complex consolidation of Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) into Queensland Health.

Malcolm has a career in Health Informatics and AI spanning over 25 years. He is an Adjunct Professor of Digital Health at the University of Sydney, he holds a medical degree from the University of Adelaide and a PhD in Medical Informatics from Stanford University, focusing on clinical AI.

Malcolm co-founded the Alcidion Group, an ASX listed health IT company, and served as CMO working on products for the Australian, NZ and UK markets in patient safety, patient flow, interoperability, integrating decision support and AI into clinical workflows, virtual care, real-time NLP and predictive models.

He currently consults on AI and go-to-market strategy to health care organisations and start-ups around the world. His research focus is on how AI and Machine Learning can be adopted safely and responsibly by organisations to improve performance.

Laura Toyne is the Branch Manager for the National Program Delivery at the Australian Digital Health Agency. In this role she leads a team of more than 40 staff to develop and implement digital programs to improve the access and use of health information for health care providers, consumers and carers.

This includes leading the Agency’s Aged Care, Medicines Safety, Allied Health and My Health Record Expansion and Use programs.

Laura has previously worked for more than 13 years in the Australian Department of Health in Canberra in the primary care, population health and pharmaceutical divisions, in both the NSW and Canberra offices, implementing and managing complex Commonwealth health policies and programs, and has worked in the Northern Territory and Cairns on welfare reform programs and on radiology clinical trials respectively.

Mark Simpson started with I-MED Radiology in 2002 and has had senior Operations and General Management roles within the I-MED Queensland and Regional business units.

Prior to commencing in the newly established role of General Manager Government Relations and External Partnerships in July 2020, Mark was General Manager of I-MED’s Regional Business unit from 2006 – 2020.

Based in Melbourne, Mark leads I-MED’s involvement with industry groups and State/Federal Government relations along a national oversight of Public and Private Hospital services and National Contracts.

Mark also sits on the Board’s of I-MED’s joint venture partner in South Australia, Jones Radiology and the private radiology sector representative body, the Australian Diagnostic Imaging Association (ADIA). In 2022 Mark took the executive leadership responsibility for I-MED’s New Zealand business, Hamilton Radiology and Midland MRI.

Prior to joining I-MED, Mark had management roles across Public and Private sector Radiation Oncology services in Adelaide, South Australia.

With over 25 years of corporate, commercial and regulatory experience, Alison has specialised in advising clients in the health, aged care, disability, life sciences and community sectors. Alison co-leads the firm’s Health & Community industry group.

Her clients include public and private hospital operators and health care providers, private health insurers, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and aged care/retirement living, NDIS and not-for-profit and government clients.

Alison was previously General Counsel for Ramsay Health Care Limited. Alison is a market leader, having been listed in The Best Lawyers in Australia (and the Australian Financial Review) for Health & Aged Care and Biotechnology every year since 2008.

She has been recognised in the Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession as a Leading Health and Aged Care Lawyer every year since 2017. Alison has been a finalist for the Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year in Health every year since 2016 and won this prestigious award in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

In 2022, Alison was bestowed an honorary fellowship with the Australasian College of Health Service Management (ACHSM), which is the peak professional body for health managers in Australasia. She is ranked in Chambers for life sciences.

FAQ

A sun-seekers haven in South East Queensland, the Gold Coast is renowned for its stunning beaches, laid-back vibe and fun-filled theme parks. Get outdoors and explore the area’s hinterland and parks with guided wildlife tours and treetop adventures or hit the waters and marvel at local marine life on a sightseeing cruise. With so much to do and see, there’s never a dull moment when you travel to the Gold Coast.

RACV Royal Pines Resort is 32km north of Gold Coast Airport and 80km south of Brisbane International Airport. For guests travelling from Brisbane, the Gold Coast is connected to Brisbane by rail, and Nerang Station is five minutes’ drive from the resort.

If driving from Brisbane, follow the Pacific Highway (M1) south to exit 71 (Nerang Broadbeach Rd). After Metricon Stadium, turn left into Ross Street and follow the sign to the overpass to enter Royal Pines Resort. 

If driving from Gold Coast Airport, follow the Pacific Highway (M1) north to exit 73 (Nielsen’s Road) and take the road east over the overpass. Take the second left into Birmingham Rd, follow this over the Nerang River Bridge and then follow signs to the hotel.

Please park in the car park directly under the hotel tower, fees may apply.

The dress for the APHA Congress is business attire. The dress for the APHA Congress Gala dinner is Lounge suit.

Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. It is strongly recommended that participants take out their own general travel insurance. It is suggested that the insurance policy cover loss of fees/deposit, airfares, accommodation charges, medical expenses, loss or damage to personal property and repatriation expenses. The Congress Organising Committee, Congress Secretariat and APHA do not take responsibility for any delegate failing to insure.

If driving from Brisbane, follow the Pacific Highway (M1) south to exit 71 (Nerang Broadbeach Rd). After Metricon Stadium, turn left into Ross Street and follow the sign to the overpass to enter Royal Pines Resort. 

If driving from Gold Coast Airport, follow the Pacific Highway (M1) north to exit 73 (Nielsen’s Road) and take the road east over the overpass. Take the second left into Birmingham Rd, follow this over the Nerang River Bridge and then follow signs to the hotel.

Under Australia’s universal visa system, all visitors to Australia must have a valid visa to travel to and enter Australia (other than New Zealand passport holders who will normally be granted a Special Category visa on arrival, provided they meet health and character requirements; and permanent residents of Norfolk Island who may be granted a Permanent Resident of Norfolk Island visa on arrival).

There are many visa options available to people wishing to visit Australia. The appropriate visa option will depend, amongst other things, on the person’s purpose for visiting Australia.

Please ensure you have the appropriate visa if required.

It is suggested that all visitors should apply for a visa at least two months prior to their intended date of departure, and four months prior for people with character or health concerns.

The trickiest part about travelling is working out what weather to expect and in turn, what to pack.

Here is a quick guide to the weather on the Gold Coast in April.

The weather in the Gold Coast in April is still quite warm. The average temperatures are between 20°C and 24°C. We recommend a light jacket for the evenings as it can be cool. A variety of clothing or layering is recommended.

All Occasions Group are the APHA Congress registration managers, should you have any queries in relation to registration, tours or accommodation. The team at All Occasions Group will be your main point of contact:

08 8125 2200
conference@aomevents.com

For all exhibition, sponsorship or membership enquiries, as well as APHA Congress program and social events queries please email lilly.tawadros@apha.org.au

In registering for APHA Congress, relevant details will be incorporated into a delegate list for the benefit of all delegates (name, email, organisation and state) and may be made available to parties directly related to the congress including All Occasions group, venues and accommodation providers (for the purpose of room bookings and APHA Congress options) and key sponsors (subject to strict conditions).

Our Sponsors

APHA would like to thank all the sponsors of APHA 41st National Congress for their support.

If you are interested in being involved in The APHA Congress please contact: lilly.tawadros@apha.org.au

Diamond Sponsor

Major Sponsors

APHA Congress Sponsors

Exhibitors

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