Diabetes Australia today announced the appointment of Mr Barry O’Farrell, former Premier of New South Wales, as its new President and Board Chair.

Retiring President, Hon Judi Moylan AO, said Diabetes Australia was delighted to have attracted a very strong field of candidates and she welcomed Mr O’Farrell who took over the role from 1 January 2019.

Ms Moylan will take up a new role as Diabetes Australia’s Government Affairs Advisor.

“Barry is an outstanding person with a strong background in public policy, expertise in understanding how and where decisions are made and identifying opportunities for successful input,” Ms Moylan said.

“He will bring his own strengths in government and community relationships, and innovative and dynamic leadership to Diabetes Australia. I am looking forward to continuing to support Diabetes Australia and Barry in my ongoing role as a Government Affairs Advisor for Diabetes Australia.”

Mr O’Farrell said his personal experience with diabetes attracted him to the role.

“My father’s diabetes contributed to his early death in 1991 and, before my own weight loss, I was a prime candidate for type 2 diabetes,” he said.

“I want to help ensure Diabetes Australia continues to be a strong national voice advocating for all people affected by diabetes and providing important information, education and support to over 1.3 million Australians currently diagnosed with diabetes.”

Barry O’Farrell was the 43rd Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Western Sydney from 2011 to 2014, and a member of the New South Wales Parliament from 1999 – 2014. He worked with successive Federal Governments to improve services and infrastructure in the state including signing agreements on the National Disability Insurance Scheme, school education (Gonski Reforms), and health funding. He is currently CEO of Racing Australia, Chair of the NSW Rugby League Foundation, and a Trustee of the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust.