Stakeholder Update: QEII Health and Biomedical Precinct governance and next steps

QEII Health and Biomendical Precinct update
23/12/2025

As the year draws to a close, we are pleased to provide stakeholders with an update on the development of the QEII Health and Biomedical Precinct. Your ongoing interest and feedback have been invaluable in shaping the direction of this important initiative.

Independent Chair appointed

The Minister for Medical Research recently announced the appointment of Ms Paula Rogers as the inaugural Independent Chair of the Precinct Leadership Group (PLG). Paula brings extensive experience in strategic leadership and stakeholder engagement and will commence her role in the new year following her tenure as CEO of the Committee for Perth.

Precinct Leadership Group (PLG)

The PLG will serve as the primary advisory body during the 18-month establishment phase of the Precinct, which is being led by the Department of Health. The group’s membership includes:

  • Independent Chair:
    • Ms Paula Rogers
  • Members:
    • Mr Paul Anderson – Chair, AusBiotechWA and CEO, Orthocell
    • Adj Assoc Professor Sandra Bellekom – Chair, AAMRI WA and CEO, Ear Science Institute Australia
    • Ms Valerie Buic – Chief Executive, Child and Adolescent Health Service
    • Professor Jonathan Carapetis AM – Executive Director, The Kids Research Institute Australia
    • Professor Amit Chakma – Vice Chancellor, University of Western Australia
    • Dr Narelle Hadlow – Chief Executive, PathWest
    • Professor Peter Leedman AO – Chief Executive Officer, Harry Perkins Institute
    • Mr Andrew Tome – Chief Executive Officer, Hollywood Hospital
    • Mr Robert Toms – Chief Executive, North Metropolitan Health Service
  • Ex Officio:
    • Dr Shirley Bowen – Director General, Department of Health
    • Professor Sharath Sriram – Chief Scientist of Western Australia.

Working groups

To support the PLG, a series of expert working groups will be convened as required to progress key workstreams, including:

  • Research Translation and Excellence
  • Commercialisation
  • Collaborative Mechanisms
  • Physical and Digital Infrastructure
  • Workforce.

Membership of these groups will be voluntary and will draw on expertise from across the research, innovation, and industry sectors, including those not based at the QEII site.

Secretariat

The PLG and its working groups will be supported by a Secretariat from the Department of Health. For any queries, stakeholders are encouraged to contact Frances Bell at frances.bell@health.wa.gov.au.

Communication

The Department of Health is committed to keeping you updated throughout the duration of the Precinct project being led by the team at OMRI. Following each PLG meeting, the Chair will issue a Communique to stakeholders. A communication channel will also be established to allow your feedback to be shared directly with the PLG and Chair.

Background and governance

During the establishment phase, the PLG will provide advice to the Program Oversight Group (POG), which is chaired by the Department of Health and includes cross-government representation. The POG will act as the decision-making authority, overseeing the delivery of the work programme. The intention is for the PLG to transition to an independent, self-sustaining governance body for the Precinct once the Department’s work is completed.

Thank you for your continued commitment to advancing the QEII Health and Biomedical Precinct. We wish you a safe and happy summer break and look forward to working together in the New Year.

The QEII Health and Biomedical Precinct team
Office of Medical Research and Innovation
Department of Health
Last Updated: 23/12/2025