Chief Medical Officer (Australia)

rdf:langString Chief Medical Officer (Australia)

rdf:langString The Chief Medical Officer is the principal health advisor to the Australian government. The position is a medical appointment, reporting to the Departmental secretary for the Department of Health. The position is responsible for the which itself has responsibility for biosecurity, immunisation and disease surveillance. The position is also responsible for "maintaining high-quality relationships between the department, the medical profession, medical colleges, universities and other key stakeholders". Other responsibilities of the position vary according to the skills and background of the officeholder. The position was originally created in November 1982 because the newly appointed Director-General of Health was not a doctor. The position is an advisory in nature and does not have executive or operational authority. As of 22 December 2020, the Chief Medical Officer is Paul Kelly, succeeding Brendan Murphy who became Secretary of the Department of Health. As of 23 January 2021, the joint Deputy Chief Medical Officers are Nick Coatsworth, Ruth Vine and Michael Kidd. In May 2020, psychiatrist Ruth Vin was appointed the first Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental health. Previous officers include John Horvath in 2003, Jim Bishop in 2009, and Chris Baggoley from August 2011 until 2016. The role has recently been focused on immigration and related health issues, as well as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The position is head of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee and in that role an adviser to the National Cabinet of Australia, created in response to the pandemic.