The NSW government has appointed the state’s first ever Deputy Secretary for Regional Health.

Luke Sloane, the former Coordinator General of Regional Health at NSW Health, has been promoted to the role.

Regional Health Minister Ryan Park says the creation of the role will ensure regional health issues remain a priority within the health ministry, including workforce shortages.

“The Deputy Secretary for Regional Health will play an important role in this as a strong advocate for resources and staffing at the decision-making table,” the minister said in a statement.

Mr Sloane will be supported by the regional health division which was established in April 2022 to promote better health services in regional NSW, and work with Health Secretary Susan Pearce.

Ms Pearce said Mr Sloane will work closely with the Ministry of Health, regional local health districts and stakeholders.

“The Deputy Secretary will have a key focus on community engagement, regional workforce, contribution to primary care reform and access to transport and accommodation,” she  said.

Dr Anna Cody appointed Sex Discrimination Commissioner

The federal government has appointed Dr Anna Cody as the federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner on the Human Rights Commission.

Announcing the appointment on Thursday Attorney General Mark Dreyfus said Dr Cody has had long career advocating for women and fighting discrimination through her work in Community Legal Centres, on the Board of the Legal Aid Commission of NSW and her current role as Dean of the School of Law at Western Sydney University.

Dr Cody play a critical role in the Commission’s delivery of reforms arising from the 2020 Respect@Work: Sexual Harassment National Inquiry Report, Mr Dreyfus said.