Ahpra appoints new CEO

29 Jan 2025

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) has appointed Justin Untersteiner as Chief Executive Officer.

Justin who will join Ahpra in April brings over 20 years’ experience in regulation and compliance, most recently as Chief Operating Officer at the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).

Ahpra Board Chair Gill Callister PSM said that Justin was an impressive leader who stood out in a field of domestic and international candidates.

‘Justin’s experience in leading change and bringing new approaches, combined with his knowledge of regulation and compliance, made him a standout candidate,’ she said.

‘Justin’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Ahpra, and the Board is looking forward to working with him to build the next phase of Australia’s health regulation system.’

Justin has extensive experience in leading large, complex and transformational programs. At AFCA, he designed and led a significant change program that included a major IT overhaul, the design and implementation of a new industry funding model, along with delivering numerous positive changes that improved the organisation's operations and efficiency. These efforts effectively managed a substantial increase in complaints while simultaneously enhancing staff culture and wellbeing. His five years at AFCA followed over 13 years at the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) in various leadership roles.

Justin succeeds Martin Fletcher who completed his final term as CEO in December 2024.

Justin said of his appointment, ‘I welcome the trust the Ahpra Board has placed in me, and I am thrilled to be invited to lead an organisation that performs a critical role in the health sector and in service to the broader community.

‘I would like to acknowledge Martin for his contribution over the past 15 years and the solid foundations he leaves. My aim will be to build on those foundations as Ahpra moves into its next chapter of growth and innovation, while upholding the highest standards of healthcare regulation and support for our professionals.

‘I understand the significant responsibility I am accepting in balancing the roles of protecting public safety and supporting a safe and professional health workforce for Australia. I am committed to working with the professions and with the community to achieve these important goals.’

Bio

Justin Untersteiner is an experienced senior executive who has delivered strategic transformation initiatives across a range of complex national organisations in the government and not-for-profit sectors, in a career focusing on consumer protection and public safety.

Justin has led major compliance and regulatory programs at the ATO and, more recently, at AFCA, as well as guiding initiatives that have contributed not only to efficiency and effectiveness but also to more inclusive workplaces.

At AFCA – the national financial ombudsman - Justin designed and led a significant change program that included a major IT transformation project, the design and implementation of a new industry funding model, along with delivering numerous positive changes that improved the organisation's operations and efficiency.

A passionate advocate for gender equality and known for publicly challenging social norms and outdated organisational systems, he led initiatives that enhanced AFCA’s award-winning workplace culture.

He also successfully built the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR), which is now delivering compensation to consumers who are the victims of misconduct by insolvent financial firms.

Justin holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.