Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF) has announced Leanne Wells as new Chief Executive Officer. CHF Chair, Tony Lawson, said Ms Wells brought strong experience in health administration and advocacy to the role. “The appointment of Ms Well is a great development for CHF at a time when pressures on the health system demand a continued and effective voice on behalf of health consumers,” said Mr Lawson. Ms Wells said she was looking forward to taking up the position. “It couldn’t…

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In a bid to clarify what it actually does, SPAA has changed its name to the Self Managed Super Fund Association (SMSF Association). The Association was quick to clarify that other than renaming and slight logo update, not a lot has changed. The basic logo design and brand style, staff and goal of SMSF Association has been retained and Specialists have a transition phase of 12 months to update to the new logo. All certificates issued from 11 February will carry the new branding, however…

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The Independent Schools Council of Australia (ISCA) has announced Dr Yvonne Luxford as Executive Director. Dr Luxford comes to the role after Mr Bill Daniels retired after more than 14 years of service. Dr Luxford has extensive experience in senior policy and advocacy roles on the national political scene and comes to ISCA after four years as CEO of Palliative Care Australia. Warwick Dean, ISCA Chair, said ISCA was pleased with Dr Luxford’s appointment. “Dr Luxford comes to ISCA…

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The Australian Press Council has appointed Professor David Weisbrot as Chair.  Professor Weisbrot is Emeritus Professor of Law and Honorary Professor of Medicine at the University of Sydney, as well as part-time Commissioner of the NSW Law Reform Commission, Vice-President of the Australian Academy of Law, a Member of the Strategic Advisory Board of the Garvan Institute’s Centre for Clinical Genomics and a member of the National Pro Bono Resource Centre’s Advisory Board.  Previously,…

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Bank lobby group the New Zealand Bankers Association (NZBA) has unveiled its new affiliate membership program, along with its first affiliate member, MasterCard New Zealand. NZBA Chief Executive Kirk Hope said the association had recently expanded its membership criteria. Previously, NZBA membership had been limited to banks registered under the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Act. “The new affiliate membership category announced today allows us to formalise relationships we have with…

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In light of the death of professional Queensland boxer Braydon Smith last Saturday night, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) has questioned why the sport is allowed to continue. “We believe that a so-called sport where two people knock each other in the head as often as you possibly can to win a bout seems rather barbaric,” said Queensland AMA president Dr Shaun Rudd. “You’re not allowed to hit the organs beneath the belt whereas you’re allowed to hit the organ above your shoulder,…

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In a move that could see New Zealand become one of the first countries in the world to boast this kind of infrastructure, the Electricity Networks Association (ENA) has announced it is investigating the instillation of charging locations for plug-in electric vehicles along its highways. The “Renewables Highway” project could see these charging stations cover all highways across the country to encourage individuals to purchase electric cars. Chief Executive Graeme Peters said the ENA Board…

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The Rural Doctors Association of South Australia has called for more MRI scanners in regional SA. “There are no MRI scanners outside of the Adelaide metropolitan area,” said Rural Doctors Association President Scott Lewis. Prime Minister Tony Abbot supported the call and said he would be “amazed” if an MRI licence was not granted to regional SA within 12 months. Health Minister Sussan Ley would need to be consulted. Mr Lewis said rural residents…

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The South Australian Government has announced an upgrade of Festival Plaza, including a redevelopment of the Adelaide Festival Centre. The renovation is to include an external upgrade and establish new entries, foyers and an interactive arts playground on the bank of the River Torrens. The South Australian Government has committed $90 million to the Adelaide Festival Centre upgrade. The redevelopment will also include a new underground car park, a premium office building with access to…

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Six of Queensland’s top organisations have submitted a combined report to the Productivity Commission, calling for an overhaul of industrial laws. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ), the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, the Queensland Hotels Association, Motor Trades Association Queensland, Clubs Queensland and the Franchise Council of Australia want changes made to workplace reform, arguing that inflexible workplace laws are contributing to youth unemployment. The…

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Following Treasure Joe Hockey’s recent call for debate over greater flexibility in the superannuation system, the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) has spoken out. Mr Hockey asked whether first homebuyers should be able to use some of their superannuation to aid them in their first property purchase. “We certainly need to have a conversation about super, we know we do,” said AIST CEO Tom Garcia. “But I think talking about opening up for home loans or anything else is…

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