2026 Arthur Cobbold Lecture

This year’s Arthur Cobbold Lecture will be delivered by Professor Tony Lawler, Deputy Secretary of the Health Products Regulation Group and Head of the Therapeutic Goods Administration at the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

A 1995 alumnus of the University of Tasmania School of Medicine, Tony is a highly respected emergency physician, medical administrator and senior public servant. He brings extensive experience across frontline clinical care, health system leadership and public policy. Tony previously served as Chief Medical Officer for Tasmania, where he played a central role in guiding the state’s COVID-19 health and hospital response during a period of unprecedented challenge.

In this lecture, Tony will reflect on his leadership journey and how it has shaped his approach to some of the most pressing challenges facing Australia’s health system today, including managing risk in clinical settings, regulating health products, and maintaining public trust in an era of growing mis- and disinformation.

Drawing on decades of frontline and executive experience, Tony will offer insights into how health systems can balance evidence, ethics and the public interest in an increasingly complex and contested policy environment.

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Island of Ideas invites all Tasmanians to join our series of free public talks designed to ignite conversation and curiosity across our community. Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the program brings together researchers, policymakers, industry leaders and community voices to discuss the issues that matter.

Stay connected by subscribing to our mailing list for updates or visit Island of Ideas to watch past talks and register for upcoming events.

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