SA Health names Dr Robyn Lawrence as new chief executive

A top interstate bureaucrat has been hired to a lucrative deal to overhaul the state’s embattled $8.5bn health system.

A top interstate bureaucrat has been hired to a lucrative deal to overhaul the state’s embattled $8.5bn health system.

After a global hunt lasting 123 days, the state government on Tuesday inked a $653,000-a-year deal with Dr Robyn Lawrence to become SA Health’s new chief executive.

Dr Lawrence, who held multiple senior WA Health roles over the past 15 years, has been appointed to a five-year term.

WA Health executive Dr Robyn Lawrence has been appointed new SA Health chief executive. picture: State Government

Becoming the state’s second highest bureaucrat earning almost $67,000 more than her predecessor, she developed a new children’s hospital, oversaw local networks, as well as managed its controversial medi-hotel and Covid-19 operations.

She replaces Dr Chris McGowan, the agency’s former $586,290 per year boss who was axed in April.

Despite heading SA’s world-leading pandemic response, Dr McGowan was sacked during his three-year deal in a Labor bloodbath of top public servants days after the state election.

In response to The Advertiser’s inquiries, Health Minister Chris Picton revealed her appointment and hailed her “unique mix of skills and abilities to step into this important job”.

“I’m delighted we have secured a leader of the calibre and credentials of Dr Lawrence to lead SA Health at this pivotal time and deliver much needed reforms to health care,” he said.

“With experience running hospitals, frontline experience managing the pandemic response and a medical background, Dr Lawrence has a unique mix of skills and abilities to step into this important job.

“I am confident she will provide strong leadership for SA Health and help to deliver on our Government’s ambitious agenda to fix the ramping crisis.”

Premier Peter Malinauskas chairs a Covid-19 briefing with former SA Health chief executive officer Chris, McGowan and Police Commissioner Grant Stevens.

Dr Lawrence, who moves from Perth to Adelaide next month, faces an overloaded in-tray including chronic ramping, hospital and emergency department pressures, bed shortages, workforce burdens as well as budget blowouts.

She also will be tasked on delivering the state government’s ambitious health reforms including building a new Women’s and Children's ’s Hospital, new ambulance stations and other facilities across the state along with hiring hundreds of clinicians, nurses as well as paramedics.

It is understood she met with Premier Peter Malinauskas late last week before she considered her contract over the weekend.

Dr Lawrence, WA Health’s current assistant director general charged with workforce, safety and quality, and clinical excellence who, formally signed on Tuesday.

SA Health’s more than 34,000 staff were told late on Tuesday about her appointment.

The Premier and Commissioner for Public Sector Employment Erma Ranieri set public sector executive salaries.

Premier Peter Malinauskas and SA Health Minister Chris Picton along with SA Paramedics hold a press conference at the proposed location of a new ambulance station on the intersection of Magill Road and Portrush Road, SA. NCA NewsWire / Picture Emma Brasier

Dr Lawrence, who quit as WA Health’s deputy chief health officer after Covid-19 escaped from a medi-hotel into the community three times in as many months, was unavailable for comment.

Mr Picton thanked acting CE Lynne Cowan, who will likely now become Dr Lawrence’s deputy.

The Opposition last month criticised the hiring delays.

Opposition Leader David Speirs said the role needed to be filled amid record ramping, emergency departments full beyond capacity, ED doctors openly protesting and cases of elderly sick people left outside in the cold or lying on floors.

The state’s highest public servant is Department of Premier and Cabinet chief executive Damien Walker who earns a $697,000 package – almost $60,000 more than his predecessor Nick Reade, who is now RAA’s boss.