For more than two decades, Dr David Cunliffe has been a leading voice in water quality and public health, ensuring that safe drinking water and effective wastewater management remain priorities in Australia and beyond. As SA Health’s principal adviser on water quality, he provides expert guidance on drinking water, recycled water, and recreational water safety, shaping national and international policies. His role extends beyond South Australia—he has contributed to World Health Organization (WHO) water quality committees since 2001 and plays a key advisory role in Singapore and Hong Kong.

David’s expertise is rooted in microbiology, with a Ph.D. and early career work at SA Water focusing on the public health impacts of water quality. His commitment to safeguarding public health has led him to chair the enHealth Water Quality Expert Reference Panel and contribute to the NHMRC Water Quality Advisory Committee. As Chair of SAAFE’s Policy and Regulatory Advisory Committee, David’s involvement extends to SA Water’s in-kind support of a SAAFE project doing vital research on AMR management in wastewater, water reuse, and biosolids applications.

With SA Health managing the National Antimicrobial Utilisation Surveillance Program and the South Australian Expert Advisory Group on AMR, he understands the urgent need for coordinated action. His expertise and leadership help bridge the gap between research and policy, ensuring that public health remains at the forefront of AMR discussions.

Outside of work, David finds balance in the simple joys of life—walking his dogs and travelling.