Dr Steve Hambleton – new Chair of Avant Mutual Board
Sunday, 3 December 2023
The Avant Mutual Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Steve Hambleton as Chair. Dr Hambleton, who has been a member elected Avant Board director for nine years, is a specialist general practitioner and former state and Federal President of the Australian Medical Association. He takes over from Dr Beverley Rowbotham AO, who steps down as an elected board member after 13 years, the last four and a half as Chair.
Dr Hambleton’s contribution to the health reform agenda has been demonstrated throughout his career, including membership of various Federal Government committees such as the recent Strengthening Medicare Taskforce. He is also Chief Clinical Adviser to the Australian Digital Health Agency. In 2015 he was awarded the AMA Gold Medal for his services to the medical profession.
“The Avant Board is delighted that Dr Hambleton will be taking on the position of Chair,” said Natasha Fenech, Group CEO and Managing Director, Avant. “As a member-owned organisation and doctors’ company, the Board ensures the interests and needs of members are kept at the heart of everything we do. We have benefitted greatly from Dr Hambleton’s experience and expertise on the Board, and his leadership is central to us delivering on our plans to support members in more ways throughout their careers.”
“On behalf of the Board and our members, I would like to thank Dr Rowbotham for the dedication she has displayed to the membership and to Avant, particularly in her role as Chair. She provided strong leadership to the organisation and leaves behind a lasting legacy that she should be proud of.”
“Bev will be greatly missed,” adds Dr Hambleton. “She oversaw the evolution of Avant from a strong medical defence organisation into one that supports members more broadly in their professional and personal lives. She leaves Avant in a strong position to serve today’s and tomorrow’s members.”
At the November AGM, the results were announced for the Avant Mutual Board member director election. Members voted to re-elect plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr Gillian Farrell. A new director, urologist Professor Mark Frydenberg, who has been an Avant member for 14 years, was also elected. Professor Frydenberg is a member of the Board of the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand and a council member of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, where he currently holds the role of Deputy Chairman of the Professional Standards Committee.
