Hayley Robertson is an Executive Director and Partner of O'Connell Advisory with more than 25 years' experience in strategy, policy, reform and service improvement across the health, aged care and community services.
A respected strategist, policy leader and trusted advisor, Hayley works with governments, health services, councils, NGOs, aged care providers, community organisations and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to develop practical strategies, strengthen services and improve outcomes for communities.
Before joining O'Connell Advisory, Hayley held senior leadership and Director-level roles across NSW Health, including the Cancer Institute NSW, the Centre for Population Health and the Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs. She has also worked in Commonwealth Government, local government, the not-for-profit sector and consulting, giving her a broad understanding of the systems, policy and funding environments in which organisations operate.
Qualifications
Master of Public Health, University of Sydney
Master of Arts (Social Inquiry), University of Technology Sydney
Bachelor of Social Science and Policy, University of NSW
Company Directors Course, Australian Institute of Company Directors
Strategic and Adaptive Leadership, Australian Graduate School of Management
Adaptive Leadership - Harvard model, Social Leadership Australia
Creative Intelligence and Innovation, University of Technology
Engagement, International Association of Public Participation
Areas of Expertise
Strategy and policy development
Service and system reform
Health, aged care, disability and community services planning
Mental health, youth health and community wellbeing strategy
Organisational reviews and improvement
Evaluation and impact assessment
Business cases and investment proposals
Funding submissions and grant applications
Governance and advisory services
Stakeholder and community engagement
Co-design and facilitation
Advocacy and external relations
Issues management and strategic communications
Aboriginal engagement and culturally responsive approaches
Regional, rural and remote service planning
Partnership development and cross-sector collaboration
Improving Outcomes for Communities
Throughout her career, Hayley has led significant initiatives across primary care, population health, cancer services, Aboriginal health, alcohol and other drugs, youth health and prevention. Her work has focused on improving access, equity and outcomes, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, young people, people in regional Australia and other priority populations.
Recent experience
Led the development of the Future Health of Young People in NSW Strategy for NSW Health.
Led service reviews, evaluations and planning projects across health, aged care, disability and community sectors.
Delivered cross-border service mapping and reform initiatives in Goondiwindi, Boggabilla and Toomelah for the Queensland Government.
Delivered workforce planning and service modelling for major hospital redevelopments, including Bankstown and Fairfield Hospitals.
Developed business cases, funding submissions and strategic plans for government, not-for-profit and community organisations.
Managed the Equity, Multicultural Health, Aboriginal Health, Care Coordination and Consumer Engagement portfolio at the Cancer Institute NSW.
Provided strategic and clinical guidance to NACCHO and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations on cancer and chronic disease initiatives.
Managed rural and remote cancer programs aimed at improving access and outcomes for regional communities.
Developed and delivered the Cancer Innovations Conference, bringing together clinicians, researchers, policymakers and service providers.
Advised organisations on governance, stakeholder engagement, advocacy and external relations.
How Hayley Works
Hayley is known for her ability to bring people together around complex issues and develop practical solutions that balance evidence, stakeholder perspectives and organisational priorities. She combines strategic thinking with a highly collaborative and pragmatic approach, helping organisations navigate change, reform and growth with confidence.
Clients value her strong analytical skills, sound judgement and ability to build trusted relationships with executives, clinicians, community members and government stakeholders. Whether leading strategy development, service reviews, engagement processes or organisational improvement initiatives, Hayley is focused on delivering practical outcomes that create lasting value for the communities’ organisations serve.
“A tremendous amount of work has gone into this project, and that is reflected in the quality of the report.
Throughout the process, Hayley has demonstrated a high level of professionalism, responsiveness and attention to detail, along with a genuine personal commitment to achieving tangible outcomes for our community.”