CMO announces retirement
Professor Paul Kelly, who helped navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, is stepping away from the Department of Health and Aged Care.
Australia’s chief medical officer Professor Paul Kelly has announced his retirement from the Department of Health and Aged Care.
Serving as the head of the interim Australian Centre for Disease Control since 1 January 2024, Professor Kelly joined the department as chief medical advisor in 2019 and has held the position as CMO since 2020.
Professor Kelly brought his technical knowledge and communication skills to provide reassurance to the public during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as offer critical advice to governments.
Australian Medical Association president Dr Danielle McMullen, said Professor Kelly helped the nation “successfully navigate” the public health response during that time.
“Professor Kelly stepped up providing his expertise during the pandemic, helping not just the medical profession, but all Australians to navigate their way through an incredibly difficult time,” Dr McMullen said.
“Australia’s health policy, in times of crisis and in times of strain, relies upon accurate, timely and clear medical advice to inform our public policy makers and political leaders. We thank Professor Kelly for working with the many doctors in the profession over his time in the public service to deliver advice that has helped shape the system for the better.”
Australian Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler also thanked Professor Kelly for his services.
“He has also been instrumental in the establishment of the interim Australian CDC, which will better prepare our country for future health threats and leading the development of Australia’s first National Health and Climate Strategy,” said Mr Butler.
“It has been a pleasure to work with Professor Kelly over the past three years, and I wish him all the best.”
Dr McMullen said that Professor Kelly has always been “collaborative and constructive” even on the many “thorny policy issues” they have tackled. She said, “On behalf of all doctors in Australia I want to thank Professor Kelly for his extensive service and commitment to making our healthcare system a better one for all Australians.”
Professor Kelly’s last day in the department will be 21 October 2024.
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