Presentation: 08/09/2025
Registered nurses (RNs) are the backbone of aged care. Join us for a dynamic panel discussion exploring the critical role of RNs in aged care, with a focus on educational preparedness, scope of practice, and the evolving work environment in the context of aged care reform. Featuring voices from industry, education, government, advocacy and the nursing profession, this session will unpack the challenges and opportunities shaping RN practice today. Designed for nurses, students, managers, educators, service providers, researchers, advocates, and policymakers, the discussion offers valuable insights and a platform for engagement across sectors. Be part of the conversation driving the future of nursing in aged care.
Video recording
Discussion facilitator
Adjunct Professor Debra Thoms, Adjunct Professor UTS and QUT, Aus-Hartford Patron, former Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer
Adjunct Professor Debra Thoms is a nursing and health consultant and adjunct professor at the University of Technology Sydney and Queensland University of Technology. She was the Commonwealth Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer from 2015 to 2019. Prior to this, she was the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the Australian College of Nursing, a position she was appointed to in May 2012 following 6 years as the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer with NSW Health.
Panel
Tanya Vogt, Chief Executive Officer, The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)
Tanya is an experienced senior leader with over 30 years in the healthcare industry, bringing a unique perspective as a Registered Nurse, lawyer, and executive. Her career spans clinical practice, health policy, and national regulation, with a strong commitment to person-centred care and improving the healthcare system. Prior to ANMAC, Tanya served nearly a decade as the Executive Officer to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
Alyson Jarrett (Deputy CEO, Whiddon), representing Ageing Australia on the Department of Health and Aged Care’s Nursing and Midwifery Strategic Reference Group
Alyson is a senior executive and registered nurse with more than 35 years of experience in acute, aged care and community. Her senior leadership roles have seen Alyson oversee strategic and operational management of various health and aged care services. She has been recognised as the 2024 Future of Ageing Awards’ Leader of the Year.
Annie Butler, Federal Secretary, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF)
Annie Butler is a Registered Nurse, with more than a decade’s experience working in public hospitals, the community and on health education projects, and a further decade working in research and education. Annie believes we must fight to maintain and advance the professions of nursing and midwifery in Australia. She is passionate about improving Australian health and aged care systems and believe nurses, midwives and carers have a critical role to play.
Craig Gear, CEO, OPAN: Older Persons Advocacy Network
Craig Gear OAM was appointed CEO of the Older Persons Advocacy Network in 2018, after serving as its chairperson. Craig has extensive experience in health service management and health consulting. Responsible for leadership of the organisation’s Senior Leadership Team and supporting the implementation of OPAN Board’s strategic directions. Craig works to enable a flourishing and dynamic network with member CEO colleagues. He is also responsible for managing external government and stakeholder relationships.
Adjunct Professor (Practice) Alison McMillan PSM, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Adjunct Professor (Practice) Alison McMillan PSM was appointed as the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer in November 2019. Alison has been a registered nurse for more than 40 years. She has a Critical Care Nursing Certificate, a bachelor’s degree in education and a Master of Business Administration. Alison has held senior executive roles in government and health services in Victoria including, the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Director of Quality, Safety and Patient Experience, and Director of Health Emergency Management.
Online host
Professor Yun-Hee Jeon,