Stewards on the Couch with Michael Walsh
IPAA Queensland was pleased to host Mr Michael Walsh, Director-General of Queensland Health, as part of our iconic Stewards on the Couch series.
This event saw the Director-General take to the couch to have a conversation about senior leadership, public service, and the highs and lows of public leadership.
During this conversation with Ms Deidre Mulkerin, IPAA Queensland President, Director-General of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services, attendees heard about the career of one of the state’s most trusted senior public leaders. What drives the person in charge of one of the state’s most complex and significant portfolios? What keeps him awake at night? What is he most proud of? What advice does he have for future leaders in the public service?
Hear more from Mr Walsh in our conversation with him – On generosity, humility, and having a goal.
You can also learn more insights from this event by the Mandarin – IPAA Queensland celebrates public service camaraderie.
IPAA Queensland members can watch the entire event recording on the members portal.
ABOUT MICHAEL WALSH 
Michael commenced as A/Director-General, Queensland Health on 24 July 2023. On 21 December 2023, he was appointed as Director-General.
Michael was previously the Director-General Queensland Health from July 2015 to September 2019. Most recently, Michael was Chair of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority and Chair of the Western Australia Health, Health Support Service. Michael was the Administrator, North West Hospital and Health Service from June 2021 to April 2022.
Michael was Chair of the Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council (AHMAC) providing advice to the COAG Health Council from 2016 to 2018. From 2019 to 2020, Michael was the inaugural Chair of the Australasian Institute of Digital Health and has previously been on Board of the Australian Digital Health Agency. From 2019 to 2022 Michael was Chair of the Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre.
Michael holds a Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Human Movement, and Bachelor of Education.
Michael has a passion for organisational excellence and leading value-based teams achieving outcomes that improve the lives of all Australians.
ABOUT THE STEWARDS ON THE COUCH SERIES
Stewards on the Couch is a regular and highly popular feature of IPAA’s annual event program, where one or more chief executives is joined by a respected journalist or facilitator ‘on the couch’ for an informal, conversation-style interview.
These events provide the IPAA community an opportunity to learn more about the influences, priorities, and core values of stewards leading public purpose work along with the key challenges and opportunities facing their organisation and/or sector. Guests are invited to stay for networking and refreshments after the interview.