Dr. Chris Bourke
Strategic Programs Director
Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA)
Dr. Chris Bourke leads AHHA’s work in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Chris is a Gamillaroi man and Australia’s first Indigenous dentist. From 2011 to 2016, Chris was a Member of the ACT Legislative Assembly, were he held various ministerial portfolios including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs and Education. Chris has held clinical positions in the private and public sector including his own private dental practice, Aboriginal Medical Services, public hospitals and state/territory health departments in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australian, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. He is an Honorary Clinical Associate Professor with the University of Melbourne and Adjunct Associate Professor at Griffith University. He is a member of the National Health Leadership Forum and is Co-Chair ACT Reconciliation Council. Chris’ board appointments include the Australian Dental Council and the Remote Area Health Corps. In addition to his dental degree Chris has postgraduate diplomas in Public Health and Clinical Dentistry (Oral Implants) and an MBA.