Julia Gillard takes over from Jeff Kennett as head of mental health agency beyondblue
Former Labor prime minister Julia Gillard has been named the next head of mental health advocacy agency beyondblue, taking over from chairman Jeff Kennett.
Mr Kennett, the former Victorian Liberal premier who founded the organisation in 2000, said he would miss being part of beyondblue when he leaves on June 30 but expects it will go "from strength to strength" under Ms Gillard's leadership.
He led the organisation for its first 17 years as the not-for-profit group became a world leader in raising awareness of depression, anxiety and suicide prevention.
“Beyondblue is part of my DNA. Outside my family, it has been my most important role. I’ll miss it, but I’ll miss it less knowing that in Julia’s hands the organisation will go from strength to strength,’’ Mr Kennett said.
He said Ms Gillard would be the ideal person to take the reins.
“Julia Gillard’s influence as a former leader of this country, her warmth and her commitment to the cause make her the ideal person to lead Beyondblue when I step down on July,’’ he said.
“In her we have found a person who is personally committed to the cause and has the ability to cut through the clutter and drive change for the wellbeing of all Australians."
When Ms Gillard takes over on July 1 she will become the first former prime minister to run a not-for-profit organisation since Malcolm Fraser launched CARE Australia in 1987, beyondblue said on Tuesday.
Gillard said her father was a psychiatric nurse so she grew up with "an awareness of and commitment" to mental health causes.
“I’m absolutely delighted that Jeff and the board have the confidence in me to take over as Chair of an organisation that has made such a difference in the lives of so many Australians," she said.
"It will be good to have a cause where I can bring the attention that comes with being a former prime minster to bear and advocate for the things that beyondblue so strongly believes in."
The nation's first female PM was recognised among this year's Australia Day honours list.
