Media Release
New Chairman for Australian Hearing
11 August 2006
Minister for Human Services, The Hon. Joe Hockey MP today announced Mrs Kathryn Greiner as the new Chairman of Australian Hearing.
In announcing the appointment, Minister Hockey thanked retiring Chairman, Mr Michael Shepherd, for his contribution to the organisation.
“Mr Shepherd has been Chairman for eight years and he has done a great deal to develop Australian Hearing’s position as one of the largest and most successful hearing service providers in the world,” Minister Hockey said.
“Michael became Chairman of Australian Hearing at a time when competition was introduced into the hearing service market.
“This was a time of major change for Australian Hearing, dividing its services into two spheres, services to Voucher clients delivered in competition with the private sector, and continued delivery of specialist services through the Government funded Community Services Obligation Program.
“Despite the impact of competition, Australian Hearing’s improved efficiency and profitability along with enhanced clinical management are a testament to Michael’s leadership,” Minister Hockey said.
Mrs Kathryn Greiner will become a Director of Australian Hearing from 14 August 2006 , and her position as Chairman will be effective from 5 September.
“Mrs Greiner’s background includes a broad range of experience, including her position of Chairman with the Financial Planning Association of Australia and active community interests involving Save the Children Fund and the Salvation Army’s Sydney Red Shield Appeal,” Minister Hockey said.
“This type of experience is ideal to support Australian Hearing as it continues to provide outstanding services to the Australian public.”
Mrs Greiner said she was extremely pleased to be appointed Chairman of Australian Hearing.
“I look forward to being a part of Australian Hearing’s future commercial success, following from the strong foundation that Mr Shepherd was instrumental in building,” Mrs Greiner said.
Since 2002, Australian Hearing’s revenue has grown 26.5% and has also grown its centres to more than 80, expanding its reach and services into the community.
Media Contact: Wendy Black - 0437 978 028
About Australian Hearing
Australian Hearing, a Federal Government Agency of the Department of Human Services, is the sole government provider of hearing assessment and rehabilitation services to:
- Australians under 21 years-of-age, adults with complex needs,
- eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders including those 50 years of age and over,
- participants of Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) and
- eligible clients living in remote areas.
These services are delivered through the Community Service Obligation (CSO) Program.
Australian Hearing also provides hearing services through the Voucher scheme to older Australians who are holders of a pensioner concession cards, veterans, members of the Defence Forces and clients on a rehabilitation program with CRS Australia. Voucher Services are administered under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program by the Office of Hearing Services.
About Mr Michael Shepherd
Mr Michael Shepherd is Vice-Chairman of the Australian Stock Exchange Limited, Director of the Shepherd Centre for Hearing-Impaired Children, National President and Fellow of Finsia and Member of the Australian Hearing audit and risk management committee.
About Ms Kathryn Greiner
Mrs Kathryn Greiner AO has an extensive background in contributing to the non profit sector, in areas ranging from the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal to Chairing the Northern Spirit Football Club. Mrs Greiner graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from University of New South Wales and worked professionally in Health; and Early Childhood Education both in Australia and overseas. She spent nine years as a Councillor on the City of Sydney Council and is also known for her communication skills on NSW Radio.
Her current professional portfolio includes both commercial and not for profit activities, from an interest in the bio tech area through to the Bell Shakespeare Company.