Ahpra Announces Senior Leadership Appointments
24 Nov 2025
Appointments
-
Nicole Brady will join Ahpra as Executive Director, Corporate Affairs and Regulatory Governance at the end of January 2026.
-
Helen Townley has been confirmed as Executive Director, Health Workforce, having served in the role on an acting basis since September 2025.
Both executives will report directly to Ahpra CEO Justin Untersteiner.
“Nicole and Helen bring strong leadership skills and extensive health system experience,” Mr Untersteiner said. “Their appointments will strengthen our ability to implement reforms and lead the National Scheme forward.”
About the Appointees
Nicole Brady joins Ahpra from Victoria’s Department of Health, where she is Deputy Secretary of System Planning. She has led major health reform projects, including the creation of Safer Care Victoria, advising on public health responses during COVID-19, and developing Victoria’s Health Services Plan. Prior to her health sector career, Nicole worked as a senior journalist.
Helen Townley has been part of the National Scheme since 2011 and was most recently National Director of Policy and Accreditation. With a background in law and psychology, Helen has experience in administrative law and health policy, focusing on health workforce planning and regulation.
Leadership Team Updates
Monica Lambley will continue as Acting Executive Director of Health Regulation for six months while Ahpra reviews business capabilities and notification processes. Alessandra Peck will remain Acting Executive Director, Corporate Affairs and Regulatory Governance until Nicole starts in January.
These appointments follow a September 2025 restructure, which introduced three directorates—Health Workforce, Corporate Affairs and Regulatory Governance, and Health Regulation—to better align Ahpra’s focus with emerging challenges and workforce needs.
Ahpra regulates 16 health professions across 15 National Boards, ensuring practitioners meet high standards. The agency’s 2024/25 annual report shows 959,858 registered practitioners, including more than 26,000 overseas registrations, and a record 870,000 renewals. Despite a 19% increase in notifications last year, Ahpra has reduced the average time to resolve matters while maintaining public safety.
Source: Ahpra
