Australian Unity members have given the go-ahead for demutualisation. Of the 32,452 member votes cast, 96.84% supported the change to the constitution.

Chairman Alan Castleman says demutualisation will be a fundamental change to the company’s organisation. He says a significant number of members want to ensure appropriate processes are followed.

In June the Australian Unity board started assessing alternatives for the mutual company. Mr Castleman says the review process is on track to produce a report to be delivered to members by the end of the year.

Mr Castleman has also announced the establishment of a “think tank”, to be known as the Australian Centre for Health Research, as well as a separate charitable foundation. The centre is expected to play a role in conducting and promoting research into many critical areas relating to health and ageing in Australia.

“We expect to have substantial support from other organisations, including other health funds, for this work,” he said.