The South Australian public health system is a large and complex system, servicing a population of approximately 1.6 million with an annual budget of approximately $6 billion and over 38,000 staff.

SA Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of all South Australians by providing leadership in health reform, public health services, health and medical research, policy development and planning, with an increased focus on wellbeing, illness prevention, early intervention, and ensuring the safety and quality of care services 

SA Health encompasses all Local Health Networks (LHNs), the SA Ambulance Service and the Department for Health and Wellbeing. SA Health is a diverse organisation with a wide range of responsibilities and provides a variety of services across regional and metropolitan worksites.

SA Health serves all South Australians and recognises the diversity of the South Australian community, including Aboriginal people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The knowledge, skills and dedication of SA Health staff benefit all South Australians, both individually and collectively. 

In 2019 the South Australian Government introduced a new model of governance and accountability in the public health system. A cornerstone of the model is the Governing Boards for Local Health Networks. There are ten Governing Boards in South Australia and include four metropolitan and six governing boards covering regional Local Health Networks. 

The LHN Governing Boards provide an opportunity for the health system to be more responsive and innovative in meeting the health needs of their communities. SA Health is seeking Expressions of Interest for the six regional LHN governing boards:

• Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network
• Eyre and Far North Local Health Network
• Flinders and Upper North Local Health Network
• Limestone Coast Local Health Network
• Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network
• Yorke and Northern Local Health Network

A connection to the local area (including local residents or persons with significant knowledge of and experience in the local area/community) is desirable, in addition to the following requirements under the Health Care Act 2008:

Under section 33b of the Health Care Act 2008, a Local Health Network (LHN) Governing Board must consists of six or more members (but no more than eight) being persons who collectively have, in the opinion of the Minister, knowledge, skills and experience necessary to enable the governing board to carry out its functions effectively. 

As far as practicable, the Membership of a Governing Board must comprise persons who between them have knowledge of, and experience and expertise in, the following fields: 

(a) health management; 

(b) clinical governance; 

(c) commercial management;

(d) financial management; 

(e) the practice of the law;

(f)  the provision of health services;

(g) other knowledge, experience and expertise that, in the opinion of the Minister, will enable the effective performance of the Board’s functions. 

In addition to these requirements:

• at least two Members of a Governing Board must be health professionals.
• at least one Member of a Governing Board must be a person who has expertise, knowledge or experience in relation to Aboriginal health. 

In addition to the set requirements above, the Government has committed to ensuring a minimum of 50% female members for Governing Boards.

Governing board appointments and reappointments will be merit based, made through a fair and open process. Existing members seeking reappointment do not need to apply via the EOI process, however may submit an updated resume (if applicable) to [email protected]

Interested applicants for appointment are asked to complete an Expression of Interest Application and provide a current Curriculum Vitae. 

Applicants will be contacted as vacancies arise to attend an interview. Applicants will be advised of progress of their application via email.

2023 regional applicants do not need to reapply – updated resumes may be submitted direct to [email protected]

The closing date for submission: Friday 12th April 2024.