With over three decades in the health sector, including in her current position as Health and Life Sciences Leader for Oceania at EY, Jenny Parker brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role as head of the largest non-government grouping of health and aged care services.

Jenny, who was Deputy Chair, replaces John Watkins AM, who is suffering poor health.

She is the second woman to be Chair of Catholic Health Australia after Rowena McNally, who was appointed Chair in 2012 and served until 2017.

“The health and aged care sectors face a period of change with an ageing population, economic and budgetary pressures, and shifting consumer preferences underway in Australia,” she said.

"My mission as Chair of CHA will be to ensure we navigate these challenges with focus, commitment, and compassion, as well as continue the healing mission of Jesus and cement our place as a leading advocate for health, aged and community care in Australia.”

Jenny is also Chair of Catholic Education for the Brisbane Archdiocese and Deputy Chair for the Archdiocesan Finance Council. She was formally the Deputy Chancellor for Queensland University of Technology, and a board member at Cancer Council Australia.

She has been on the CHA Board as a Director since 2018 and Deputy Chair since 2020. Director Steven Teulan has been elected Deputy Chair for the next 12 months.

The SOURCE With reform of the aged care and disability sectors ongoing, Jenny will have her hands full