THE Navy’s highest ranking female officer, responsible for the health of many of the nation’s defence personnel, is the 2011 Telstra ACT Business Woman of the Year.

Dr Robyn Walker is the director-general of Health for the Royal Australian Navy and of Health Capability for the Australian Defence Force.

The soon-to-be surgeon-general of the ADF was recognised for her service and widespread reforms to improve the health of the forces.

Later this year, she’ll be the first female officer to reach the rank of rear admiral.

“I see it, I am being promoted because I am the best person for the job not because I am female.

“If it sends a message to younger women that you can get to the very top then that’s fantastic.”

Dr Walker began her medical career as a medical practitioner and specialist in underwater and submarine medicine.

Making a move to the Navy has led her to over see the delivery of vital health and medical support to troops in Iraq, East Timor and the Solomon Islands.

“Looking after people is a privilege and as one of the other finalists said, it’s often when they are at their most vulnerable,” she said.

Dr Walker also won the Community and Government Award.

In her acceptance speech Dr Walkers said: “I do look forward to a day when we do not have to separate women’s and men’s leadership or business awards and we are on a level playing field.”

Other winners this year are: Business Owner Award, Karen Nicholas, Learning Options, Manuka; Private and Corporate Sector Award, Janine Yokom, Westpac, Belconnen; Business Innovation Award, Barbara Reid, ACT Government Health Directorate, Woden and Young Business Women’s Award, Julie McKay, UN Women Australia, Canberra.

The ACT winners proceed to the national awards finals, which will be announced in Melbourne on November 18.