Role and Responsibilities of Council Members

Council Members have the collective power, acting as the Board, to manage and direct the operations of the Council. The key responsibilities of the Council include:

• ensuring that the regulatory functions of the Council pursuant to the Private Health Insurance Act 2007 are carried out;
• determining the strategic direction and objectives for the Council and monitoring the performance of management in achieving these objectives;
• approving an annual budget for the Council and monitoring the financial performance;
• overseeing the establishment of adequate internal controls and effective monitoring and evaluation systems;
• ensuring all major business risks are identified and effectively managed;
• ensuring that new areas of PHIAC responsibilities are identified and that appropriate policies are put in place by management to ensure that the responsibilities are met in accordance with the appropriate legislation;
• ensuring that Council meets its legal and statutory obligations; and
• appointing and reviewing the performance of the Chief Executive Officer, approving the appointment of consultants, approving the terms and conditions of other staff, and planning for executive succession.

For more information consult the Board Charter and the Council Key Regulatory Powers.

Functions of the Council

The functions of the Council are set out in section 264-10 of the Act and include:

• Information Collection
• Compliance
• Enforcement
• Public Information
• Agency Cooperation

 The Audit and Compliance Committee

The Audit and Compliance Committee (ACC) is a sub-committee of the Council. The Committee has no executive powers or decision making authority in relation to the operations of PHIAC. Its function is an oversight and review role. The functions of the ACC include:

• Review of the Financial Information
• Internal Controls Systems and Financial Management Processes
• Risk Management
• Compliance Matters

For more information on the ACC consult the Audit and Compliance Committee Charter.

Council members:

The Council is led by Lynn Ralph, the Commissioner and four other members: Terry Downing, John Barrington, John McGee and Dr Barry Catchlove. Council members bring a broad range of experience in corporate management and regulatory oversight supporting the overall effectiveness of the Council. Council members may seek independent external professional advice, at PHIAC’s expense, when required in the performance of their duties. The remuneration of the Commissioner and Council members is determined by the Remuneration Tribunal.

Council Members	Biographies
	Lynn S Ralph PHIAC Commissioner  Ms Ralph has worked in the financial services sector for over 20 years, specialising in funds management and insurance. She was formerly Deputy Chairman of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Ms Ralph is co-founder of Cameron Ralph Pty Ltd, a firm which assists boards to improve their effectiveness. She has over 40 cumulative years of boardroom experience, and lectures and writes on corporate governance. She is Chairman of BT Funds Management, a Director of Sydney Swans Limited, The Sydney Institute, and Bangarra Dance Theatre. Ms Ralph is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia. Current term expires on 29 November 2013
	John McGee Council Member and Deputy Commissioner Chair of PHIAC Audit and Compliance Committee Mr McGee initially practiced as a solicitor in Sydney and then London, and has spent over twenty years in the financial services industry working particularly in mortgage securitisation and life insurance. He is currently Managing Director of The Bank of New York Mellon’s corporate trust business in Australia. He is a former non-executive director of Westpac Funds Management Ltd, the responsible entity for many Westpac related listed and unlisted trusts, and has served on other corporate boards in the oil and gas and biotech industries. Current term expires on 26 February 2015
	Terry Downing Council Member Member of PHIAC Audit and Compliance Committee Mr Downing has over thirty years experience in the financial services industry gained within Australia and Asia. A Certified Practicing Accountant, his particular areas of experience include general insurance, funds management, superannuation and risk management. Mr Downing currently holds a number of non-executive director positions in both the public and private sectors. Mr Downing is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance. Current term expires on 29 November 2013
	John Barrington Council member Member of PHIAC Audit and Compliance Committee Mr Barrington is the Principal of Barrington Legal, a law firm located in Sydney specialising in business acquisitions, insurance software licensing and hospitality. In his earlier career, he was General Counsel for the National Mutual Life Association, CEO of Mutual Community Limited and Senior Vice President of CUNA Mutual limited. Mr Barrington is a board member of Guild Group Holdings limited, Chairman of Guild Insurance Limited and Chairman of Intrinsic Value Investments Limited. Current term expires on 29 November 2013
	Dr Barry Catchlove Council member Member of PHIAC Audit and Compliance Committee Dr Catchlove is a qualified physician. He is presently a consultant and a fellow of the Senate of the University of Sydney. He has served as a senior manager of Mayne Nickless. Between 1997 and 1999, he was chair of the Health Insurance Commission (now Medicare Australia). Current term expires on 26 February 2015