New Medicines Australia policy leader critical to HTA reforms

Medicines Australia has appointed Dr Melanie Shakespear into a newly created senior leadership role, signalling a bold step forward in strengthening the organisation’s policy firepower and executive depth.

A scientist at heart and a policy leader by trade, Dr Shakespear brings a rare fusion of deep immunology expertise and high-level government experience to the table. Her career journey – spanning labs in the UK and Australia, a PhD from the University of Queensland, and influential roles in the Department of Health and Aged Care – positions her uniquely to navigate the complex intersection of science, policy and public health.

Her impact has already been felt across critical national initiatives, from shaping research funding priorities and improving vaccine and treatment access during the pandemic, to overhauling Australia’s newborn screening programs.

“Melanie brings a unique perspective and proven leadership in public health policy, and we are thrilled to welcome her to our Executive Team at such a critical time for the sector,” said Medicines Australia CEO, Liz de Somer. “This appointment reflects our commitment to bolstering our strategic capability with deep scientific knowledge and policy expertise.”

This policy role assumes particular significance. More than 2.5 years after the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review commenced and six months since its recommendations landed, Australians are still waiting for a government willing to act. Patient advocacy groups are demanding end to the delays as the election nears.

For Dr Shakespear, the opportunity represents the ideal convergence of passion and purpose. She said, “I’m looking forward to bringing together my two passions in this great role: promoting the power of innovation and science and its contribution to life changing medicines – and developing evidenced based policy to deliver meaningful outcomes for patients.”

She added, “It is an exciting time to join Medicines Australia with health technology assessment (HTA) reform on the horizon, a challenging geopolitical environment calling for greater sovereign capability and the opportunity to put forward new policy ideas with an incoming Government.”

Dr Shakespear officially joins Medicines Australia on 22 April 2025.

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