Tasmanian Health Senate - member position statement

The Tasmanian Health Senate is a respected advisory group that brings together individuals from across the health service, from clinicians to consumers from across the state, to provide leadership and independent advice to the Secretary Department of Health (DoH) on system-wide healthcare planning and delivery.

The Tasmanian Health Senate will consider system-wide priorities that affect access, quality, safety, efficiency, and sustainability of health services to formulate advice that is informed, impartial and integrated to enhance patient care and health outcomes.

The Tasmanian Health Senate functions under the authority of the Secretary DoH and is supported by the Minister for Health.   

The Tasmanian Health Senate will include around 50 members from around the state with appropriate expertise, experience and skills from across the health system.  This will enable a broad and diverse perspective when discussing a range of health matters and providing recommendations and advice.  Membership will be diverse across gender, age, career stage and cultural background.  It is also important that members represent geographical areas across the state, including a regional, rural and remote spread.

Appointment

The process of member appointments is overseen by the Tasmanian Health Senate Steering Committee.  Appointments are for a two or three year period to assist with continuity of membership.

A member will have the option to extend their term at the end of their initial appointment, to serve no more than six years.  If a member does not wish to extend or resigns prior, this should be expressed in writing to the Chair, Tasmanian Health Senate Steering Committee, providing at least four weeks’ notice.

Some members may also wish to nominate for a member role on the Tasmanian Health Senate Steering Committee.  This can be indicated on the application form. 

Expression of interest process

Applications close on 9 October 2022.

Apply to become a member of the Tasmanian Health Senate

General duties and responsibilities

All clinical members are experienced health professionals who are held in high regard, perform regular clinical duties, participate in their respective professional networks and have influence over their organisation.

Consumer and carer representatives are experienced in engaging and consulting within their networks or the community on health issues and have an interest in improving healthcare services.

The key roles and responsibilities of a member is to:

• Act without bias or agenda and within the best interest of the Tasmanian Health Senate leaving personal or organisational agenda ‘at the door’.
• Engage in open discussion to allow diverse perspectives and encourage constructive enquiry, feedback and communication.
• Promote the Senate through their professional networks to support connections and interest.

As a member you will:

• Have a passion for engaging with others and an ability to build effective relationships through open and frank communication.
• Can contribute ideas and listen to others with respect.
• Have interpersonal skills that create the trust, cooperation and confidence of others and be able to work well with a wide range of people with varying knowledge, expertise and experience or lived experience.
• Have a strong focus on accountability with evidence of being able to initiate, complete and evaluate programs of work.

Lastly, the commitment you make as a member is to:

• Provide time for preparation and attendance for up to three Tasmanian Health Senate meetings per year.
• Provide time for preparation and attendance for up to six Tasmanian Health Senate Steering Committee meetings per year (if you are also a Steering Committee member).

For members of the Tasmanian Health Senate who are not participating through a paid role or paid employment, or who are forgoing their regular income to participate please refer to the Remuneration and Reimbursement Guidelines.