For nearly 15 years, Australian Healthcare Week has brought together some of the most influential, future-focused, and respected voices in healthcare from across Australia and around the world. What began as a national platform to connect and share has become a magnet for senior leaders, government decision-makers, digital health pioneers, and international experts. Together, these individuals have helped define the policies, programs, and priorities that shape Australia’s healthcare system today. This is our Hall of Fame: a celebration of the speakers whose insight, leadership, and vision have helped shape AHW into the nation’s most significant healthcare gathering.

Leaders Who Lead the Conversation

From ministers and secretaries to C-level executives and transformation directors, AHW has hosted the people who don’t just talk about change, they make it happen.

Here are just some of the standout leaders who have taken the stage over the years:

• The Hon. Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care – 2024
• The Hon. Brad Hazzard, Former NSW Minister for Health – 2018
• Susan Pearce, Secretary, NSW Health – 2022, 2023, 2024
• Mary-Anne Thomas, Minister of Health, Victorian Government – 2023
• Nick Hartland, First Assistant Secretary, Department of Health & Aged Care – 2017, 2023
• Daniel McCabe, First Assistant Secretary, Medicare & Digital Health – 2022
• Sarah McRae, CEO, Calvary – 2024, 2025
• Robert Fiske, CEO, Victorian Health Building Authority – 2023
• Richard Taggart, CEO, eHealth NSW – 2021–2025
• Lance Emerson, Deputy Secretary, eHealth Victoria – 2023
• Francine Douce, CNMO, Department of Health Tasmania – 2023
• Catherine Lourey, Commissioner, Mental Health Commission NSW – 2022

Each of these leaders has brought a unique perspective to the AHW stage, whether sharing new policy direction, advocating for investment in innovation, or exploring how to better deliver for the communities they serve.

“It’s important that we continue to talk about what our system is doing well, areas we can improve, and learn from others — so I see AHW as a great forum to do that.” — Susan Pearce, Secretary, NSW Health

Global Thought Leaders, Local Impact

AHW’s impact doesn’t stop at the border. A defining feature of the event has been its ability to bring global healthcare leaders into local conversations — helping to bridge ideas across systems, and spark fresh thinking about what’s possible in Australia. Some of our most internationally respected speakers have included:

• Cris Ross, Former CIO, Mayo Clinic – 2025
• Josie Rudman, Transformation Director & Chief Nurse, NHS England – 2024
• Ed Marx, Former Global CIO, Cleveland Clinic – 2024– 2025

"AHW is super important for the healthcare industry. I think we're entering into a new era — there's so much opportunity but also risk and challenge. Learning from each other and staying close to what's new is absolutely key." — Cris Ross, Former CIO, Mayo Clinic

“Bringing the best of the best together to create new healthcare environments for the future. So, what better place to be than here.” — Josie Rudman, NHS England

Why the Hall of Fame Matters

For sponsors, exhibitors, policymakers, and practitioners alike, the calibre of speakers reflects the calibre of the event. This Hall of Fame exists not only to honour those who have contributed to the AHW community — but to spotlight the kind of visionary thinking that shapes the event experience. Whether you're here to invest, exhibit, speak, or learn — Australian Healthcare Week is where leaders gather.

"Patients are at the heart of everything we do, and the technology that is actually here is not just about making people better, but also making it a better experience when they’re in health facilities." — Brad Hazzard, Former Minister for Health, NSW

Who Will You See in 2026?

Next year, AHW returns with our 15th and most ambitious edition yet — and we're already shaping a lineup of senior leaders, future thinkers, and global voices to take the stage.

• Healthcare 2040 Expo will bring AI and digital health pioneers into the spotlight.
• Our expanded Government Zone will host federal, state and local health leaders.
• And our Start-Up Pitchfest will welcome the next generation of innovators.

Got a speaker in mind? Tag them. Share this. Or tell us who you'd love to see at #AHW

Save the Date: 11–12 March 2026