Ms Fifine Cahill is the Assistant Secretary, National Health Reform Branch. Responsibilities in this role include managing the National Health Reform Agreement, which is the key mechanism for the transparency, governance and financing of Australia’s public hospital system, setting out how the Australian Government contributes funds to the states and territories for public hospital services and also all Australian Governments’ commitment to a shared long-term vision for health reform. The branch is also responsible for the National Partnership on COVID-19 Response, through which the Australian Government is providing financial assistance to the states and territories for the additional health costs incurred in responding to COVID-19. The Australian Government’s Private Hospital Viability Guarantee is implemented through this Partnership.
Ms Cahill joined the Department in 2006 and has worked in a variety of roles, including in Medical Benefits Division and Health Grants and Network Division. Prior to this, she worked at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Her formal qualifications include Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws from the University of New South Wales and Executive Masters of Public Administration from the Australia and New Zealand School of Government.