- Chief Health Officer Dr Andrew (Andy) Robertson CSC, PSM announces his retirement
- Dr Robertson has been an integral part of WA Health for 22 years
- Recruitment process for Chief Health Officer role underway
Western Australia's Chief Health Officer (CHO) Dr Andy Robertson has announced his retirement.
For more than two decades, Dr Robertson has been at the forefront of public health in Western Australia, protecting the community.
His extraordinary career took him from serving as a Royal Australian Navy Biological Weapons Inspector in Iraq to leading Western Australia's health response through its greatest public health challenge in a century, the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Robertson joined the WA Department of Health in 2003 as the Director Disaster Preparedness and established a career focused on public health emergency management.
His expertise in that field helped guide Western Australian health policy through the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.
During the pandemic Dr Robertson became a familiar face on television screens across the State, relaying critical health information to the public.
He was a key part of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, established to lead national health responses to the pandemic.
Prior to the pandemic, Dr Robertson lead health sector responses to events such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2005 Bali bombings, and undertook emergency deployments after regional earthquakes and the Fukushima nuclear incident. These roles shaped Western Australia's approach to health sector emergency readiness.
As well as serving as Chief Health Officer, Dr Robertson has held roles as the Deputy Director General, Public and Aboriginal Health in the Department of Health, and Chaired the Radiological Council of WA among other duties.
He also previously served in the Royal Australian Navy for 19 years, providing expertise in disaster management and health protection through international humanitarian deployments.
Dr Robertson will continue in the roles of Chief Health Officer and Deputy Director General, Public and Aboriginal Health until February.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"Dr Andy Robertson has made an exceptional contribution to public health in Western Australia, with a career spanning over 20 years.
"As Health Minister at the time, I want to personally thank Andy for his leadership, advice, and steadfast intellectual discipline in a globally exemplary response to the pandemic.
"His leadership was pivotal during the COVID-19 pandemic - arguably the most significant public health crisis in a century - where he guided the State's response with expertise and resolve.
"Prior to the pandemic, Dr Robertson played key roles in managing health responses to major international emergencies, including the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2005 Bali bombings. These experiences helped shape WA's emergency preparedness in the health sector, and his commitment during challenging times has been unwavering.
"I extend my sincere thanks to Dr Robertson for his outstanding service and wish him every success in the future."
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"I value Dr Robertson's steady leadership, integrity and evidence-based approach to public health.
"His dedication to embedding health equity and prevention into WA's public health practice leaves a legacy that will benefit our State for years to come.
"Thank you for your outstanding service, Dr Robertson. Enjoy a well-earned retirement."
