Paul Connolly appointed to head Primary Health Network

An eight-year veteran has been appointed to head a top NT health care body. Read who got the job.

A long-time NT Primary Health Network officer, has been appointed the organisation’s chief executive. File Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Paul Connolly, a long-time NT Primary Health Network officer, has been appointed the organisation’s chief executive.

Currently the executive responsible for NT Primary Health Network’s Rural Workforce Agency and Primary Health Care Branch, Paul will bring eight years of leadership experience in the Northern Territory Health Sector.

A champion of health system reform, Paul has a history of supporting health care access and sustainability for communities and leading high-performing teams.

NT Primary Health Network chief executive Paul Connolly

An executive with NT PHN for four years, Paul’s CV includes leading important programs such as health workforce development, outreach services to remote communities and supporting the local health system response and recovery during the pandemic.

He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors with qualifications in business management as well as significant experience in the Northern Territory health sector.

NT PHN Board chair, David Blair said the appointment marked an exciting new chapter for the organisation.

Outgoing NT PHN Chief Executive Officer Gill Yearsley. Picture Katrina Bridgeford.

“We are delighted to appoint Paul as our new chief executive,” he said.

“His vision, expertise and passion for healthcare makes him the ideal leader to step up and guide NT Primary Health Care into its next phase of growth and impact.”

Mr Connolly said he was honoured to accept the appointment and looked forward to working closely with staff, partners, stakeholders and the broader community.

“I am really excited to be appointed chief executive at such a pivotal time,” he said.

“We have a great team and together, we will continue to provide a culturally safe, inclusive, person-centred and integrated primary healthcare system that improves the health and wellbeing outcomes of communities across the Territory.”

Mr Blair said outgoing chief executive Gill Yearsley had made “an invaluable contribution” to NT Primary Health Network over the past five years.

Originally published as Paul Connolly appointed to head Primary Health Network