Change of leadership at health department

The Department of Health has announced that secretary Glenys Beauchamp is retiring at the end of the month.

Ms Beauchamp, who has been health department secretary since September 2017, is due to start her retirement on 28 February 2020.

She has worked in the Australian Public Service for 21 years, including nine years at secretary level. She also spent 13 years in the ACT Public Service.

Minister for Health Greg Hunt said Ms Beauchamp has played an important role in improving health services for Australians, including a focus on mental health, increased medical research, funding life-saving medicines and strengthening relationships with the health community.

He thanked her for her service.

“She has been an excellent leader for the staff of the health department, and I have valued her advice and commitment to serving the Australian people,” Mr Hunt said.

He said Australia’s chief medical officer Professor Brendan Murphy has been recommended as the appointment for new secretary.

Professor Murphy, who was appointed chief medical officer in 2016 has worked in Australia’s health system for 40 years as a doctor, medical researcher and senior executive. He was previously CEO of Austin Health in Victoria.

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Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe congratulated Ms Beauchamp on her health sector and other career achievements.

“Ms Beauchamp has been a dedicated public servant who has consistently demonstrated leadership in the health industry and will be remembered for her significant contributions over the years,” Ms McCabe said.

She said she welcomed the recommendation to replace her with Professor Murphy, who has a distinguished career to date.

The Australian Medical Association president Dr Tony Bartone paid tribute to Ms Beauchamp for her service.

“Glenys Beauchamp is a dedicated public servant who will be remembered for her commitment to include the many medical and health organisations in a cooperative and friendly working relationship with the Department of Health,” Dr Bartone said.

He echoed Ms McCabe in regards to Professor Murphy’s recommendation to become the next secretary.

“Professor Murphy is a medical doctor, a health administrator, a company director, and former president of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology,” Dr Bartone said.

“He will bring a highly-appropriate and unique mix of skills and experience to his new position,” he said.

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians also thanked and acknowledged Ms Beauchamp for her longstanding public service and congratulated Professor Murphy on his recommendation.

“The college looks forward to continuing to work with Professor Murphy and the department in addressing the health policy challenges facing the country, and in improving health outcomes for all Australians and particularly for Indigenous Australians,” the RACP said.

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