Ms Roxon served as a Member of Federal Parliament for 15 years. She was appointed Minister for Health and Ageing in 2007 and became Australia's first female Attorney General in 2011.
Ms Roxon's public health credentials are internationally renowned, having overseen landmark health reforms including introducing world-first plain packaging for tobacco products. Trained as a lawyer, protecting the dignity of workers and promoting the standing of women have been a hallmark of Ms Roxon's career.
Since her retirement from politics in 2013, Ms Roxon has served on the Boards of a number of public health and private sector organisations, including Cancer Council Australia, BUPA and health superannuation fund HESTA.
Ms Roxon succeeds former VicHealth Chair Ms Fiona McCormack who stepped down from the Board in early 2020, and Mr Nick Green OAM who has been Acting Chair since Ms McCormack's departure.
As Chair, Ms McCormack guided the delivery of many innovative initiatives, programs and campaigns, and her extensive knowledge and experience in the family violence sector supported VicHealth's work in promoting gender equality.
Following Ms McCormack's departure, Mr Green's strong leadership has guided the organisation through the challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic.
Ms Roxon will commence her appointment on 24 November 2020 with Dr Sally Fawkes continuing as Deputy Chair. Mr Green will continue as a member of the VicHealth Board.
As noted by the Minister for Health Martin Foley
"We welcome Nicola Roxon's appointment as the new Chair of VicHealth and thank Fiona McCormack for her fantastic contributions to VicHealth's strategic agenda on health promotion.
"Nicola's extensive experience and leadership will no doubt continue to strengthen and reinforce Victoria as an international public health leader and we look forward to working with her."
As noted by VicHealth CEO, Dr Sandro Demaio
"Nicola Roxon's vision and leadership have had indelible impacts on the health of Australians and populations worldwide, protecting current and future generations from the significant harms of tobacco.
"As Minister for Health and Ageing, she made preventative health a priority introducing landmark reforms. Her extensive expertise and knowledge will help guide VicHealth as we work to support all Victorians to achieve and maintain good health.
"I thank both Fiona McCormack and Nick Green for their significant contributions to VicHealth."
As noted by the Hon Nicola Roxon
"I'm truly honoured to be appointed to this role. VicHealth has for decades been an innovative, thoughtful and independent voice for health promotion and healthy living within Victoria.
"It is a thrill to have the chance to work with people just as passionate as I am about the importance of good health to a safe, productive and fulfilling life. "
