Chief Executive Officer
Paul is an experienced health executive with nearly a decade of leadership in the Northern Territory Health Sector. With a strong commitment to improving primary healthcare outcomes across the NT, Paul brings a deep understanding of the region’s unique health challenges and a passion for system-wide reform. As an executive with the Northern Territory Primary Health Network, Paul has led major initiatives in workforce development, supporting locally responsive models of care and improving primary healthcare access for vulnerable populations. Â
Paul is passionate about improving primary healthcare outcomes for communities and understands the critical requirement for a culturally safe, patient-centred primary healthcare system to achieve this. He strongly believes in the importance of partnership with stakeholders and communities in the design and implementation of primary healthcare programs and the imperative for the health system to meet local needs. Â
A Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holding a First-Class Honours Degree in Business Management, Paul has developed broad expertise across corporate governance, financial management, operations and strategic planning. He is a representative for the Northern Territory in national forums and a respected contributor to state and national advisory bodies. Paul’s leadership is grounded in values of cultural respect, community-driven care and delivering sustainable outcomes. Â
Originally from Ireland, Paul has called the NT home since 2011. Prior to joining health, Paul worked in the commercial sector supporting recruitment and workforce development across multiple industries and has also worked with the Northern Territory Government in remote housing.Â
Executive Manager Strategy, Commissioning and Integration
Ali is responsible for our primary healthcare support functions and our Regional Health Partnerships team who work with all commissioned providers engaged in delivering NT PHN funded programs.Â
She has previously held senior management positions including during a 20 year career in the NZ Army Medical Corp where she was a military medic and then shifted into senior management roles. On leaving the military, Ali continued in senior management roles in general practice and Primary Health Organisations before moving to Australia in 2018.
Ali’s approach to the provision of high quality primary health care services across the Northern Territory is centred around supporting those who deliver them, to enable the best outcomes possible.Â
Responsibilities: Commissioning, digital health, NT Health Pathways, CQI, contract and relationship management, collaboration and contribution to strategic regional partnerships.
Chief Financial Officer
Jessica Dooley is the Chief Financial Officer of NT PHN, responsible for overseeing our financial operations, strategy, and governance. As a key member of the Executive Team, Jessica works closely with fellow leaders to shape NT PHN’s long-term strategic direction, manage financial and operational risks, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
A Chartered Accountant and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), Jessica holds a Bachelor of Business and brings a commitment to transparency, collaboration and innovation in everything she does.
Jessica began her career in audit with a Big 4 firm in Sydney. This experience equipped her with a strong technical foundation, attention to detail and a deep understanding of financial controls and risk—skills that continue to inform her high standards and strategic approach to financial leadership.
She brings extensive experience in strengthening internal financial systems and processes to better support the broader business and drive organisational performance. With a values-led and solutions-focused leadership style, Jessica is passionate about delivering financial stewardship that enables better outcomes for communities across the Northern Territory.
Executive Manager Workforce and Primary Care Support
Claire brings deep experience across public, private and not-for-profit sectors, with a strong focus on public health, Indigenous health, rural and remote health, and infection prevention and control. She has held senior roles nationally and internationally, including leadership positions at Menzies School of Health Research, CRANA, the Victorian COVID-19 response and several national advisory bodies. Academically, she has taught at Griffith, JCU, UWA, and Melbourne University, and is currently an Associate at Monash University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Claire was awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM) in 2022 for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and was a Northern Territory finalist for Australian of the Year in 2014. She is known for her strategic insight, commitment to equity and ability to lead complex health initiatives.
Acting Executive Manager Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health
An Arrernte woman born and raised in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), Ebony Abbott-McCormack is a respected leader and advocate for the health, wellbeing and self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the Northern Territory.
Ebony brings over a decade of clinical and community expertise to her role as Acting Executive Manager of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health at NT PHN. A registered Aboriginal Health Practitioner, she has held leadership roles across primary health care, governance, policy and community-led program design. Her work is grounded in cultural integrity, evidence-based practice and a deep commitment to ensuring Aboriginal voices are at the centre of decision-making.
Ebony currently serves as Board Chair of the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress Aboriginal Corporation, guiding one of Australia’s largest Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations. She is also a Northern Territory Liquor Commissioner, where she contributes a public health and cultural lens to regulatory and policy decisions affecting Aboriginal communities.
A proud 2023 AFLW Indigenous Honouree and active AFL NT umpire, Ebony uses sport as a platform to promote leadership, inclusion and empowerment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls.
Above all, Ebony is a proud mother of six and draws strength from her culture, her family and the collective wisdom of her community. Her leadership is driven by a strong sense of responsibility to pave the way for the next generation of First Nations leaders.