Frances Rice

Chief Nursing Officer Australian College of Nursing

Frances Rice is the inaugural Chief Nursing Officer at the Australian College of Nursing (ACN), where she leads strategic initiatives to elevate nursing leadership, policy influence, and professional development across Australia. With a distinguished career in nursing leadership, health policy and regulation, Frances brings deep expertise in shaping reform and advancing the nursing profession. Prior to joining ACN, Frances served as the Senior Nursing Advisor in the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, where she had a pivotal role in advising on national health strategies and workforce development. Her leadership has consistently focused on building capacity, fostering innovation, and advocating for nurses as central to healthcare transformation. Frances holds a Master of Business Administration from the Australian National University, complementing her clinical and strategic acumen with strong business and governance capabilities. At ACN, she oversees key portfolios including Professional Engagement, Workforce and Policy Advisory, Scholarships Administration, and the Institute of Leadership. She is a respected contributor to national health forums, parliamentary inquiries, and expert advisory panels, and is known for her collaborative approach in building networks across government, academia, and the healthcare sector. Her commitment to equity and excellence is reflected in her work to enhance educational opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and her leadership in implementation of ACN’s Reconciliation Action Plan. Frances is a passionate advocate for the nursing profession and a role model for emerging leaders. Her strategic vision and operational expertise continue to shape the future of nursing in Australia.