Congratulations to the three Department of Health staff who have been recognised in the 2024 King's Birthday Honours:
- Professor Brett McDermott, Director – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Tasmania
- Jordan Emery, Chief Executive – Ambulance Tasmania
- Laura Butler, Paramedic and Manager, Clinical Practice Emergency Medical Services – Ambulance Tasmania
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett, said the recipients of these awards are remarkable individuals who have been appropriately recognised for their immense service to our community.
"Recognition in the King's Birthday Honours List is one of the highest acknowledgments of community service an Australian citizen can receive," Minister Barnett said.
"I sincerely congratulate the three recipients for their well-deserved achievement and contribution to Tasmania's health system."
Professor McDermott will be presented with a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division for significant service to medicine in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry.
Minister Barnett applauded Professor McDermott's research and immense body of work that have made a significant impact to the lives of young people across the whole country.
Mr Emery and Ms Butler are recipients of the Ambulance Service Medal (ASM).
Mr Emery was appointed Chief Executive of Ambulance Tasmania in 2023 after 15 years as a paramedic and undertaking various leadership roles and continues to champion industry-wide culture and leadership reform through heart-centred leadership.
Ms Butler has been a paramedic since 2013 and is a prehospital care leader, actively working to improve the quality of out of hospital care within Tasmania. Her work has been integral in progressing numerous key changes and innovations at Ambulance Tasmania.
Minister Barnett said the ASM is a prestigious award that recognises distinguished service as a member of an Australian ambulance service, so this is a significant honour for Mr Emery and Ms Butler to receive and thanked them for their service.
"The incredible contribution of all three of these outstanding Tasmanians is deeply appreciated and greatly assists us in the delivery of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future."
