Ahpra appoints Justin Untersteiner Chief Executive Officer

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) has appointed Justin Untersteiner as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), commencing April 2025. Untersteiner brings more than 20 years’ experience in regulation and compliance, most recently as Chief Operating Officer at the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).

“Justin’s experience in leading change and bringing new approaches, combined with his knowledge of regulation and compliance, made him a standout candidate,” Ahpra Board Chair Gill Callister PSM said. “Justin’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Ahpra, and the Board is looking forward to working with him to build the next phase of Australia’s health regulation system.”

Untersteiner brings experience leading large, complex and transformational programs to Ahpra. At AFCA, he designed and led a significant change program. This included a major IT overhaul, the design and implementation of a new industry funding model and delivery of numerous positive changes that improved the organisation’s operations and efficiency — efforts that effectively managed a substantial increase in complaints while simultaneously enhancing staff culture and wellbeing, Ahpra said.

“I welcome the trust the Ahpra Board has placed in me, and I am thrilled to be invited to lead an organisation that performs a critical role in the health sector and in service to the broader community,” Untersteiner said. “I understand the significant responsibility I am accepting in balancing the roles of protecting public safety and supporting a safe and professional health workforce for Australia. I am committed to working with the professions and with the community to achieve these important goals.”

Untersteiner succeeds Martin Fletcher, who completed his final term as CEO in December 2024. “I would like to acknowledge Martin for his contribution over the past 15 years and the solid foundations he leaves,” Untersteiner said. “My aim will be to build on those foundations as Ahpra moves into its next chapter of growth and innovation, while upholding the highest standards of healthcare regulation and support for our professionals.”

Image source: Ahpra