New CEO to lead health and welfare data agency

The Australian Government welcomes the appointment of Mr Robert Heferen to lead the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
With more than 30 years’ experience in the public service, Mr Heferen will take on the role of Chief Executive Officer from early July, 2021.
Mr Heferen brings a deep knowledge of policy and programs as a former Deputy Secretary in the Department of Education, Skills and Employment, the Department of the Environment and Energy, and the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science. He has also held leadership roles at the Australian Tax Office, Treasury and the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
Mr Heferen’s extensive experience will be vital to the AIHW, who continue to play a critical role in health and welfare policy and program development across Australia. The independent agency is internationally recognised for its expertise and proven track record in producing information and statistics which underpin our health and welfare systems.
The Government extends its thanks to outgoing CEO, Mr Barry Sandison, who oversaw significant reforms at the agency and has positioned AIHW successfully for the future.
Mr Sandison’s contributions have transformed the agency, expanding the suite of products and services and overseeing significant improvements in the way data is presented, making it more accessible and easier to understand.
The Government congratulates Mr Heferen on his appointment, who we expect will continue this program of reform and improvement, ensuring we have access to authoritative information and statistics to underpin our world-leading health and welfare systems.