Queensland's Minister for Health Lawrence Springborg has revealed the make up of the new nine person HIV Ministerial Advisory Board who will meet to work out the best strategies to combat rising HIV rates in Queensland.

The voluntary committee will be chaired by Dr Darren Russell who currently acts as Director of Sexual Health Service in Cairns and will also include, Queensland Positive People's Executive Director Simon O'Connor, Dr Wendell Rosevear and gay media personality 'Farmer' David Graham.

The full committee is made up by:

Chair: Dr Darren Russell - Director Sexual Health Service, Cairns
HIV/AIDS physician. Dr Russell has worked in the field of HIV medicine since 1990 and has a very thorough knowledge of HIV/AIDs prevention strategies. Currently the Director of Sexual Health Cairns Health Service, he also holds the position of Clinical Associate Professor, School of Population Health, Melbourne. He was National President of the Australian Federation of AIDs Organisations (2003-2006).

Simon O'Connor - HIV/AIDS Service Provider , Brisbane.
Simon is the Executive Officer of Queensland Positive People and represents People living with HIV/AIDs . Simon's experience in this field dates back to 1984.

Candi Forrest - sex worker advocate Brisbane.
Candi has worked with QLD sex workers since 1987 when the sex industry first embraced HIV prevention strategies. Candi holds a Masters of Anthropology and Sociology, and has developed networks with workers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Penny Kenchington - Sexual Health Nurse Practitioner Townsville .
Penny was the first Sexual and Reproductive Health Nurse Practitioner in Queensland. She has had 17 years' experience in the field of sexual health. She is a member of the Australian Society of HIV medicine and the College of Nurse Practitioners.

Professor Jeffrey Gow - social researcher, public health Toowoomba.
Professor Gow has a PhD in Health Policy and Economics. He has more than 12 years' experience in public health research into HIV/AIDs and was principal investigator on numerous HIV research studies and programmes. He has been published more than 50 times and worked as a consultant on HIV/ AIDS to international bodies and governments such as UNAIDs, World Health Organization UNICEF and the South African Government.

Dr Andrew Redmond - HIV/AIDS physician Brisbane.
Dr Redmond is a HIV physician in practice at a major metropolitan teaching hospital. He has significant expertise and experience in relation to HIV therapy and prevention.

Dr Wendell Rosevear OAM - HIV/AIDS physician Brisbane.
Dr Rosevear has worked in HIV/AIDs since 1985. He helped establish the Queensland AIDS Council. A General Practitioner providing services to the gay and lesbian community, he is an active and respected member of the gay community.

David Graham - Small businessman, rural advocate Goondiwindi

David has a background in media and small business. He has been an advocate for rural and remote gay and lesbian health. He has used his media presence to promote good health and HIV/AIDs awareness campaigns. David has strong links with the gay and lesbian community.

Elisha McGuiness - Health promotion (ATSI), public health Townsville

Ms McGuiness holds a Masters of Public Health. She has a professional background in sexual health promotion and public health. She is the Senior Public Health Officer - Indigenous Health and Senior Indigenous Sexual Health Promotion Officer based in North QLD.