Fellows - Ross O'Donoughue

Biography

Ross O’Donoughue has held Senior Executive roles across State, Territory and the Australian governments. His population health and policy experience has spanned both health improvement and health protection. Ross has also had extensive experience in working in and with the non government and community based sectors.

In health protection, Ross has been involved in communicable disease control, biosecurity, food safety and drinking water regulation, including the national response to SARS and NSW investigations of the Sydney water crisis and the Wallis Lake oyster contamination. As Director, Health Protection in NSW, Ross led the public health preparations for the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

In health improvement, Ross has been involved in primary and secondary prevention approaches to chronic diseases, including the establishment of the national obesity task force. Ross has also had involvement in reproductive and sexual health education. While Director, Health Improvement Branch, Ross oversaw the integration of the former Healthpact health promotion grants program into ACT Health.

His policy analysis and development experience includes HIV/AIDS, infection control, mental health, drugs and alcohol and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Ross has also been involved in major reviews of public health legislation, including national and state food regulation and emergency response.

Ross’s current position is Executive Director, Policy Division, with ACT Health.