Sir Stanley Burbury Lecture Theatre, Dobson Road, Sandy Bay and Online
Summary:Professor Tony Lawler explores how Australia’s health system navigates risk, regulation and public trust in an age of misinformation.
Presenter(s):
- Professor Tony Lawler, Deputy Secretary, Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
- Facilitated by Professor Ruth Kearon, Head of School, Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania
2026 Arthur Cobbold Lecture
This year’s Arthur Cobbold Lecture will be delivered by Professor Tony Lawler, Deputy Secretary of the Health Products Regulation Group and Head of the Therapeutic Goods Administration at the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
A 1995 alumnus of the University of Tasmania School of Medicine, Tony is a highly respected emergency physician, medical administrator and senior public servant. He brings extensive experience across frontline clinical care, health system leadership and public policy. Tony previously served as Chief Medical Officer for Tasmania, where he played a central role in guiding the state’s COVID-19 health and hospital response during a period of unprecedented challenge.
In this lecture, Tony will reflect on his leadership journey and how it has shaped his approach to some of the most pressing challenges facing Australia’s health system today, including managing risk in clinical settings, regulating health products, and maintaining public trust in an era of growing mis- and disinformation.
Drawing on decades of frontline and executive experience, Tony will offer insights into how health systems can balance evidence, ethics and the public interest in an increasingly complex and contested policy environment.
Tickets are free but essential, register now to avoid missing out.
Pre-event refreshments:
Head to the venue early and enjoy complimentary refreshments from 5.30pm.
About the experts:
Professor Tony Lawler is Deputy Secretary of the Health Products Regulation Group at the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, which includes the Therapeutic Goods Administration. He leads national regulation of therapeutic goods and drug imports, exports and production to safeguard the health of Australians. A graduate of the University of Tasmania School of Medicine, Tony has worked for nearly 30 years as a specialist emergency physician, medical administrator and senior public servant. He previously served as Tasmania’s Chief Medical Officer and played a key leadership role during the COVID-19 pandemic as Emergency Operations Commander. He holds professorial appointments at the University of Tasmania and the Australian National University.
Professor Ruth Kearon is the Head of the Tasmanian School of Medicine. Ruth’s background is in Medical Administration and General Practice and she has a passion for building a medical workforce for the current and future needs of our communities. The Tasmanian School of Medicine administers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in medicine, medical research and public health. The School’s activities provide unique training opportunities for health care providers, including a range of professional development courses for practitioners in remote and extreme environments.
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