South Australian peak body for Aboriginal health
Friday, July 4, 2008
The Aboriginal Health Council of SA Inc. (AHCSA) is extremely pleased with the appointment of its Chairperson, Mr John Singer, to the Health Performance Council (HPC) announced on Wednesday 2 July by the Minister for Health, Hon. John Hill.
The HPC is a key component of the Health Care Act 2008 and will provide independent advice to the Minister for Health on the operation and performance of the health system. AHCSA is the state peak body representing Aboriginal health and substance misuse services, and Aboriginal health advisory committees in South Australia at a state and national level.
AHCSA Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Mary Buckskin, says Mr Singer’s appointment will be of great benefit to the Aboriginal community and the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector. “John brings to the HPC an extensive historical background of Aboriginal health issues as well as current knowledge through his roles as Chairperson of AHCSA and SA representative on the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. His recently completed term on the Country Health SA Board also provides invaluable experience and information which will aid the HPC.”
Mr Singer is from the Ngaangtjara, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunyatjara Lands, which crosses the borders of Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia. His expansive career began in the 1980s at the Ceduna/Koonibba Aboriginal Health Service where he commenced health worker training and later completed at the Nganampa Health Council.
From 1989 to 1996, Mr Singer worked in Community Administration at Iwantja, Fregon, Pukatja and Papunya. In 1997, he became Manager of the Iwantja Clinic and in 2000 was appointed Director of the Nganampa Health Council, a position he still holds today. Nganampa Health Council is the largest Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service in remote Australia, covering the APY Lands in the far north west of South Australia.
Over the years, Mr Singer has participated on several Boards and Committees and is currently a member of the following:
Mr Singer’s career provides him with an extensive understanding of governance, community control and government structures, and he is very committed to improving the health and well being of Aboriginal people.
Mr Singer is joined on the HPC by:
Ms Anne Dunn, Chairperson
Dr Thomas John Stubbs
Mr Ian Yates AM
Mr Thomas Paul Steeples
Prof Robyn McDermott
Prof Justin John Beilby
Hon Carolyn Pickles
Mr Laurence John Lewis AM
Prof Frances Elaine Baum
Dr Diane Joy Wickett
Dr Melissa Sandercock
Ms Barbara Hartwig
Ms Rachel Bishop
Dr Michael James Beckoff
The following deputies have also been appointed:
Mr Christopher Alan Overland (deputy to Mr Yates)
Mr James Dellit (deputy to Mr Steeples)
Dr Michael Scollin Rice (deputy to Dr Sandercock)
Dr Tahereh Ziaian (deputy to Ms Bishop)
Mr Geoffrey Donald Harris (deputy to Dr Beckoff)
