Dr Jim Hyde (Honorary Senior Lecturer)

Jim Hyde is Director of Public Health at the Victorian Department of Human Services. His previous work on health inequalities and equity in health will inform the development of the research project and in particular its policy outcomes. His career has focused on the development of achievable strategies for the implantation of evidence based policy.

Dr Hyde is particularly interested in primary prevention and health promotion approaches and interventions and has strong networks within the public sector. He has been a regular media commentator and a columnist for the Sydney Morning Herald, as well as the media spokesperson in a number of positions he has held. This media experience will play a unique role in formulating public health messages for the media.

An example of the extent of Dr Hyde’s experience in public health policy is exemplified by his role as the Principal Program Advisor, National Public Health Partnership which providing advice to Governments on strategic and integrated responses to Public Health priorities with a view to strengthening and sustaining Public Health strategies, infrastructure and capacity nationally.  Prior to this he held a diverse range of positions, Director of Policy and Communications, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (2001-5) where he led policy development on health equity, health inequalities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, health financing and pharmaceuticals, better practice, including safety and quality, and workforce development.  He was President, NSW Branch, PHAA for three years from 2001 and a member of the PHAA National Board in 2001-02. Previously he was Director, NSW Health and Equity Project, in association with the University of Western Sydney and the Centre for Health Equity, Training, Research and Evaluation.  He was Director, Health Services Policy for NSW Health.  In his role as CEO of the Victorian AIDS Council he played a key role in Victoria and nationally in the implementation of public health messages about HIV/AIDS.