Desmond Graham

Des was appointed to the MS Australia Board in 2014 and elected Vice President in November 2018. Des has also been a Board member of MS Limited since June 2016 and previously served as Board Chair of MS Tasmania. He was also recently appointed to the Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia (MS Research Australia) Board.

With over thirty-five years’ experience in health and human services Des has held senior executive public sector positions in a number of States across a broad range of portfolios responsible for clinical, service delivery and policy and planning portfolios. He was also the inaugural CEO for the Mental Health Council of Australia and continues to have engagements with a broad range of non-government organisations. Des has represented jurisdictions on a broad range of national forums including the Council of Australian Government committees. Of note was Des’s role in national committees responsible for the moulding and implementation of the Rudd Health Reforms and the National Disability Insurance Scheme. In addition, Des has represented Australia at a number of international forums. Des has held an adjunct Associate Professor position with the University of Tasmania, College of Health and Medicine and is active in the Menzies Institute for Medical Research MS Flagship.

Des' qualifications include undergraduate and post graduate nursing and a Master of Science and is a member of the AICD. Six years after his diagnosis of multiple sclerosis Des retired as Deputy Secretary with the Department of Health and Human Services, Tasmania.

Professionally, one of Des' most prized achievements was the dedication of a Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Award to the Mental Health Council of Australia for his services to consumer and carer participation in health service planning and individual care, a principle he continues to advocate strongly for today.