Appointment of Jenny May as Rural Health Commissioner

Jenny May (second from left) with RDN CEO Richard Colbran and outgoing Commissioner Ruth Stewart (second from right) and Assistant Minister Emma McBride MP at last year's National Rural and Remote Health Awards
 

Minister for Health and Aged Care, The Hon Mark Butler MP, has announced the appointment of Jenny May AM as Australia’s new National Rural Health Commissioner. 

In a statement, the Minister’s office said: 

"The National Rural Health Commissioner provides health policy advice and advocates for reforms which support better access to safe, quality and affordable health care in rural, regional and remote Australia. 

Professor May brings a wealth of experience to the role of commissioner after working on the ground as a rural GP for more than 35 years in rural, regional and remote WA, NT and NSW as well as overseas in rural Canada.

With 20 years in health education, Professor May has also taught Australia’s medical, nursing and allied health students of the future. Professor May has significant research expertise in health workforce matters and is currently the Director of the University of NewcastleDepartment of Rural Health based in Tamworth.

Professor May received the Order of Australia in 2016 for significant service to community health in rural and regional Australia as a general practitioner, to professional medical groups, and to education. 

Professor Jenny May will commence as the National Rural Health Commissioner on 2 September 2024 (until 30 June 2026). An Acting National Rural Health Commissioner will be appointed for the period between July and September 2024. 

The Government thanks Adjunct Professor Ruth Stewart, outgoing commissioner, for her leadership, commitment and passion for the health of Australians in rural and remote areas over the last four years." 

RDN congratulates Professor May on her appointment and would like to take this opportunity to echo the Minister in his thanks to outgoing Commissioner Ruth Stewart for her services to rural health and rural communities, particularly through the challenging years of the pandemic.