HIH Awards 2025

Martin Bowles AO PSM

Health Sector Leader, Chair of Research Australia, Former Public Servant including Secretary of Department of Health

In a dynamic interview, Martin will explore the theme of breaking political boundaries to reimagine healthcare. How should senior healthcare leaders approach the political game differently to drive meaningful health reforms? Amid competing health reforms and policy fatigue, what will cut through the noise?

Martin has served in senior executive roles within the Australian Public Service, including Secretary of the Departments of Health, Immigration and Border Protection, and Deputy Secretary in the Departments of Defence and Climate Change. His leadership in the health portfolio from 2014 to 2017 was instrumental in driving major reforms to public hospital funding.

Following his public service career, Martin transitioned to the not-for-profit health sector, serving as national CEO of Calvary Health Care from 2017 until his retirement in July 2025. At Calvary, he oversaw operations across hospitals, aged care, retirement living, and home care services.

Dr Geoff Lester

Vascular and Internal Medicine, Hearts4heart Board Director, Heart Foundation of Australia National Ambassador

In his address, Geoff will explore the pressing question: How do we move beyond tokenism to truly integrate the patient voice across the healthcare system and health policy?

Geoff is a vascular and internal medicine doctor, researcher, health economist, and advocate.

At just 24, he underwent the first of four open-heart surgeries. Surviving a life-threatening heart condition so young ignited a powerful drive in him – to turn his experience into a mission to improve outcomes for others.

“I’ve been a patient longer than I’ve been a doctor, but I’m lucky enough to see that patients resonate with what I’m saying in a much more profound way,” says Geoff. “When I tell patients I understand what they’re going through, they know I mean it.”

TOP Podcasts & MOST VIEWED Vodcasts (12 categories)

These Awards recognise and celebrate the MOST VIEWED vodcasts and TOP podcasts featuring leaders and change-makers who have captivated our audience across the healthcare sector, including the pharma, medtech, diagnostics and biotech industries.

Excellence in Communications (7 categories)

These Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of teams and individuals across Corporate Communications, Government Relations & Policy, PR agencies, and NGOs. These unsung heroes will be recognised in the Excellence in Communications Awards categories.

Nominations closed on 20 June. Voting ran from 23 June to 1 August.

“Being recognised in the Health Industry Hub Awards for Advancing Health Policy was a proud moment for our team and affirmed the impact of our work. These awards are an important opportunity to shine a light on the progress we’re making together as a sector, for better patient health outcomes.”

Ian Burgess – CEO, Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA)

“We were very excited to win the Health Industry Hub PR Agency Team of the Year in 2024. Internally it gave everyone on the Palin Communications team a real sense of achievement and recognition for all the hard work during the year. Externally it was really respected and noticed as people sent us congratulations via all different formats.

“People work in health communications because they can contribute to tangible changes that help patients. That’s why it’s important for this type of advocacy to be acknowledged, held up and celebrated.”

Martin Palin – Managing Director, Palin Communications

“The AstraZeneca Corporate Affairs Team was honoured to be recognised last year as Corporate Communications Team of the Year by Health Industry Hub. We work each day to advocate for earlier, faster and fairer access to medicines and healthcare for Australians who need it.

“These awards are important for our industry to come together, recognise and celebrate the contribution the industry makes to improve outcomes for patients.”

Penny George – Corporate Affairs Director, AstraZeneca

“Winning the Health Industry Hub award for 2024 NGO of the Year provides a powerful affirmation of Kidney Health Australia’s dedication to improving kidney health for all Australians. It recognises the hard work, passion, and unwavering commitment of our entire team, whose efforts bring our purpose to life.

“This award reinforces the trust our community places in us, highlights the impact of our work, and drives us forward in our bold aspiration to End Dialysis by 2050. It inspires us to continue advocating, educating, and delivering vital support with excellence and compassion.”

Chris Forbes – CEO, Kidney Health Australia