The federal government has announced the appointment of Professor Michael Kidd AM as Principal Medical Advisor to the Department of Health and Professor of Primary Care Reform at The Australian National University.
"This appointment further strengthens the Government’s focus on delivering major primary health care reforms for the benefit of all Australians," said health minister Greg Hunt in a statement, adding the position is jointly held across the Department of Health and The Australian National University (ANU).
“I’m delighted Professor Kidd has accepted this appointment because he has the qualifications and experience to help drive the Government’s reforms to primary health care,” said Minister Hunt.
“This includes the development of the Primary Health Care 10-Year Plan, reforms to our health workforce and the $550 million Stronger Rural Health Strategy.”
ANU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian Schmidt AM, said Professor Kidd’s appointment strengthens the University’s contributions to national health policy.
“Professor Kidd is a globally-recognised authority in primary care. In his work to improve Australia’s healthcare system, he will bring extensive policy and practice experience, research and education leadership, and all the relevant expertise our national university has to offer,” said Professor Schmidt.
Professor Kidd has more than three decades of experience working as a general practitioner in urban and rural locations across Australia, with special interests in the care of people with HIV, mental health and Indigenous health.
He served two terms as the elected president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners from 2002–2006.