Immunologist Ian Frazer, who co-developed the technology behind the HPV vaccine against cervical cancer, has stepped down from his role as chair of the Australian Medical Research Advisory Board.
Professor Frazer served as the board’s chair since its inception in 2016 and played a pivotal role in establishing the $22 billion Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
“I know many people will recognise Professor Frazer’s name as the co-inventor of the technology which brought us HPV vaccines, now used worldwide to help prevent cervical cancer,” Health minister Mark Butler said.
“Professor Frazer brought his training, skills and expertise to AMRAB for the benefit of all Australians and on behalf of the Australian Government I thank him for his leadership and for giving us the benefit of his knowledge, experience and passion.
The advisory board Professor Frazer led sets the strategy and priorities for the $22 billion fund, with its net interest paying for $6.5 billion in medical research over the coming decade.
The departure of Professor Frazer, a science giant who has been stepping back from his formal roles in recent years, leaves a key vacancy in Australia’s medical research system.
A call out for nominations for a new chair was issued this week and will close on May 11. Deputy chair Professor Caroline Homer has been appointed acting chair for the next three months.
Boarded up
In the waning months of the Albanese government’s first term, its ministers have announced a flurry of board appointments.
Communications minister Michelle Rowland this week announced the appointment of Chum Darvall and Jules Scarlett as NBN Co non-executive directors for three years.
Ms Pam Bains was re-appointed as a non-executive director for two years.
Ms Rowland also announced the appointment of Adam Suckling as deputy chair of the Australian Communications and Media Authority on a five-year term.
Mr Suckling is a former Copyright Agency chief executive and has been a member of the Authority since 2023.
Energy minister Chris Bowen has reappointed Marianna O’Gorman, a board director with roles across the public and non-profit sector, to the board of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and promoted her to a new role of deputy chair.
Former Rio Tinto executive Stephen McIntosh has also been re-appointed as a board member, while energy and investment executive Angela Karl joins the board for her first term.
The new CEO of AusTrade is Dr Paul Grimes, a highly experienced public servant who has worked across state, territory and federal governments.
Dr Grimes stepped down as secretary of the federal Agriculture department in 2015 after clashing with then minister Barnaby Joyce on environmental issues. He was secretary of NSW Treasury until being sacked by the incoming Minns government in 2023.
Foreign minister Penny Wong this week announced the following diplomatic appointments:
- Chantelle Taylor as Australia’s Ambassador to Ireland.
- Mark Foxe as Australia’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Kiribati.
- Leo Zeng as Australia’s Ambassador to Mongolia.
- Gillian Bird PSM as Australia’s Ambassador to Vietnam.
Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility CEO Craig Doyle has advised the NAIF Board of his intention to retire from his position in August.
He steps down after three years at the helm of the Commonwealth government financier for area’s projects, with more than $4 billion invested to date.
Under the NAIF Act, the Board is responsible for appointing the CEO and a merit-based selection process will begin soon, the government said.
Industry movers
Former GeologicAI executive, David Henderson has joined Fleet Space as Chief of Growth – Americas.
Engineering firm IMI Norgren has announced the appointment of Adam Bek as Managing Director, ANZ for Industrial Automation
Hotel software company SiteMinder has appointed Mike Rogers as chief data officer and Tomas Varsavsky as chief technology officer.
Nicole Stephensen has joined Helios Salinger business to work alongside Anna Johnston on privacy, data and cyber services.
Ms Johnston, a former deputy privacy commissioner for NSW, sold her privacy business to HPX Group last year after building it up over 20 years.
Christine Bartlett has joined the board of CEDA as chair, taking over from WA-based business leader Diane Smith-Gander earlier this month.
Ms Bartlett is a former senior executive at NAB and IBM Australia and holds several board positions.
NEC Australia has appointed Mike Sellars to its newly created role of Vice President – Chief Technology Office. Based in Perth, Mr Sellars will focus on technology solutions for government and enterprise clients.
Do you know more? Contact James Riley via Email.