Today, Professor Paul Kelly has announced his decision to retire from his position as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the Department of Health and Aged Care.
Professor Kelly has been CMO since 2020, after joining the department as Chief Medical Advisor in 2019. He has also served as the Head of the interim Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) since 1 January 2024.
His expertise, leadership and advice helped Australia successfully navigate the COVID-19 pandemic - the country's largest public health response in over 100 years.
Professor Kelly's constant presence, technical expertise, and clear communication provided reassurance to the public and critical advice to governments at a time of extreme uncertainty.
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.
It has been a pleasure to work with Professor Kelly over the past three years, and I wish him all the best.
Professor Kelly's last day in the Department will be 21 October 2024. Arrangements to fill the roles of CMO and head of the interim Australian CDC will be confirmed in due course.
