State’s chief health officer resigns

Queensland’s chief health officer John Gerrard will step down from the states top health job in December.

Dr Gerrard tendered his resignation on October 13 during caretaker mode while the state election was underway.

The infectious diseases expert said it had been an honour to serve the community and help navigate how the state responded to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The COVID-19 pandemic had such an extraordinary impact on people’s lives and strained systems around the world and I am glad I had the opportunity to help people move forward from it,” Dr Gerrard said. 

“While it was difficult decision to finish as the chief health officer, I am excited about returning to my patients in a full-time capacity and continue my passion as an infectious diseases specialist.”

Dr Gerrard’s final day in the role will be on December 12 before he returns to full time clinical duties at Gold Coast University as an infectious disease expert.

His contract was up for renewal, however he advised the Director General at the start of October about his intention to step down as chief health officer.

Health minister Tim Nicholls thanked Dr Gerrard for his service to Queensland, especially as the state navigated the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Dr Gerrard has made a tremendous contribution to Queensland in his time as the chief health officer and I wish him the best in his decision to return to full-time clinical duties,” Mr Nicholls said.

“Dr Gerrard was a reassuring presence to many Queenslanders seeking timely and accurate clinical advice during uncertain times.

“Dr Gerrard also played a key role in helping the state manage record influenza outbreaks over the past two years and spearheading the push to hold social media platforms accountable for the content they publish to young people.

“His time as chief health officer adds to his dedication to caring for others, which has included aiding in the health response to the ebola outbreak in Africa in 2014 and leading the clinical work on malaria vaccine trials.”

Premier David Crisafulli said Dr Gerrard had helped so many Queenslanders “during a really difficult time”.

“He’s made a big contribution, and he wants to continue to make a contribution, but now at the front line, we want to thank him for his service,” Mr Crisafulli said, according to The Courier Mail.

“We want to thank him for his contribution during a really difficult time for the state and we really wish him well as he heads back to the front line to do what he has done throughout his lifetime, we certainly wish him all the best.”

Dr Gerrard was appointed chief health officer in December 2021, after Jeannette Young’s resignation before she became the Governor of Queensland.