APHA CEO announces resignation after 24 years

The Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Private Hospitals Association (APHA), Michael Roff, has advised the Board he will be stepping down from the role effective Friday 5 July 2024. 

Mr Roff has served APHA for the past 30 years, first as Public Affairs Manager in 1994 before being appointed CEO in March 2000.

He has represented the private hospitals sector to nine differentFederal Health Ministers and eight Prime Ministers.

"I have spent half my life and the majority of my professional life with APHA and it has been an honour torepresent a sector committed to providing the highest quality health services to millions of Australians eachyear," Mr Roff said.

"It has been stimulating to work at the intersection of healthcare delivery, policy and politics, and the sectorhas faced many challenges over the years, not least the COVID-19 pandemic when elective surgery was shutdown overnight. However, after 24 years as CEO it is time to move on.

"I want to thank my staff who work tirelessly every day to support the private hospitals sector, the APHABoard who volunteer their time and expertise for the greater good of the sector, and our member hospitals for their support over many years."

APHA President Christine Gee AM said Mr Roff was a "consummate professional" and he should be proud of his contribution to theprivate hospital sector.

"I have had the good fortune and great pleasure to work with Michael over many years, a number of thoseas President of APHA.

"I am sure that the management of our Association could not have been in safer ormore capable hands, especially over the last few very tumultuous years. He can be very proud of his effortsand achievements for and on behalf of Australia's private hospital system and the healthcare system morebroadly," she said.

"Michael is a highly-respected advocate and a consummate professional who has dedicated his skills and expertise to representing Australia's private hospitals with the firm focus of ensuring our sector remains inthe best position to provide vital and necessary services to the Australian community."

Ms Gee said she was grateful Mr Roff had offered to assist in the transition to a new CEO on a part-time basis asneeded.

"The Board will undertake an extensive search to find APHA's next CEO," she said.

"The APHA Secretariat continues to offer support to members and to advocate on their behalf togovernment. This work remains the focus of the organisation and will not be impacted through thetransition."

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