LISA OHLMUS

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Report to the Executive Manager of Strategy, Policy, and Impact, and work closely with the CEO and executive team.
• Coach and mentor a small, high-performing team that is highly valued across the organization.
• Oversee the design and delivery of VicHealth's policy priorities and government relations strategy.

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Secured unanimous board endorsement for a new strategic policy agenda, aligned with the organization’s ten-year strategy.
• Designed and implemented an executive-endorsed advocacy framework to inform resource prioritization for a small team.
• Deepened relationships with key ministerial stakeholders, staff and members of state and federal Parliaments.
• Oversaw the design and delivery of policy webinars which attracted more than 500 sector and industry stakeholders.
• Secured appearances for the CEO at major state and federal parliamentary inquiries, with succinct and high-quality submissions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provided strategic policy advice to the Minister for Health on women's health, population health, community hospitals and workforce recruitment.
• Fast-paced and issue-rich environment.

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Worked closely with senior departmental executives to drive the delivery of Victoria's (and Australia's) first publicly funded fertility services on time and in line with the government's commitment.
• Identified key policy opportunities in women's health, including an election commitment for the state-wide expansion of women's sexual and reproductive health hubs.
• Worked closely with MPs to understand and address concerns regarding the delivery of signature health infrastructure commitments.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Worked closely with departmental staff to provide strategic policy advice to the Minister for Regional Development on major infrastructure projects, regional housing and regional partnerships.

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Overcame significant project delays by working with departmental staff and the Treasurer's office to drive key milestones on major regional infrastructure projects including the start of work on the $294 million Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre and the $108 million Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment.
• Identified investments to address regional housing and workforce shortages – including a funding pathway for a modular housing manufacturer to set up a base in Portland to alleviate housing shortages along Victoria's Great South Coast.
• Developed positive relationships with the chairs of Victoria's nine Regional Partnerships, advocating for their needs with Ministerial Offices and securing funding in the 2021 - 2022 Victorian Budget.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Developed strong relationships with members of Parliament to provide strategic stakeholder advice to the Premier, Chief and Deputy Chief of Staff.
• Delivered high-quality written and verbal briefings for senior staff across a range of politically sensitive policy and infrastructure issues.
• Worked closely with internal stakeholders including senior advisers and ministerial offices to develop messaging for MPs across a range of issues.

ACHIEVEMENTS

• In a fast-paced and high-pressure environment during COVID, delivered advice to members of Parliament and senior leadership regarding COVID restrictions and their implications.
• Provided advice on key infrastructure investments in the 20/21 state budget.