Jillian Skinner retired in 2017 after six years as NSW Health Minister. She was the first Minister for Medical Research in NSW and, having spent 14 years as Shadow Health Minister, was one of the most experienced health politicians in the country. She reformed the NSW public health system, increasing treatment, transparency and accountability with local district health boards, redeveloping hundreds of hospitals, boosting investment in IT, integrated community-based care, medical research and social policy programs including organ donation, pain management, improved palliative care and elimination of the transmission of HIV.

Mrs. Skinner has continued her passion for health through numerous part-time engagements. In 2018 she was conferred Doctor of Science honoris causa by Macquarie University in recognition of her contribution to healthcare and health policy in New South Wales. In August 2020 the University of NSW conferred her as a Doctor of Medical Science in recognition of her “influential role in the implementation of policies and programs, most significantly within the area of control of HIV”. She began her career as a journalist in Melbourne, has run her own business, worked in the public sector and served on many community and advisory bodies.