Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly, who was the face of the government’s response to COVID-19 for much of the pandemic, has announced his retirement.
Professor Kelly became CMO in late 2020 and joined the health department as chief medical advisor in the year before.
He led the country through the pandemic from December 2020 until it was no longer considered a national emergency in 2023.
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Health Minister Mark Butler confirmed Kelly’s retirement and praised his “expertise, leadership and advice”.
“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,” Butler said in a statement.
“He has also been instrumental in the establishment of the interim Australian Centre for Disease Control, which will better prepare our country for future health threats, and leading the development of Australia’s first National Health and Climate Strategy.”
Kelly will depart his role on October 21 and the government said it is working to find his replacement.
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He also served as the Head of the interim Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) since 1 January 2024 and an interim head will be confirmed later.
The former CMO was the spokesperson for federal government public health announcements during the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent lockdowns.
In October 2023, Kelly issued a statement marking the end of Australia’s emergency response to the pandemic.
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