The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has warmly welcomed the appointment of Dr Marianne Gale to the role of Chief Health Officer in Queensland.
Dr Gale previously held the position of New South Wales deputy Chief Health Officer, playing a prominent role during the initial years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright welcomed Dr Gale to her new position.
"Queensland's new Chief Health Officer has many years of experience as a well-respected public health expert," he said.
"I worked with Dr Gale in New South Wales during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I can see that she is an excellent choice for this vital role.
"The College stands ready to work with Dr Gale, and I wish her all the best. All Queenslanders, no matter their postcode or income, deserve access to high-quality care from a GP who knows them, and their history. This will ensure that patients can live their life to the full, and we can relieve pressure on the entire healthcare system statewide."
RACGP Queensland Chair Dr Cathryn Hester said that the appointment comes at a critical time.
"My home state of Queensland will benefit from having positive and strong health leadership, and I look forward to working with Dr Gale," she said.
"Queensland is facing a number of public health challenges and GPs are a key part of the solution alongside our new Chief Health Officer.
"There's also a lot of work to be done supporting evidence-based healthcare such as fluoridated water supplies and vaccination uptake. Patients know and trust their GP, and so we have an essential role to play in public health implementation.
"We threw our support behind the state Government committing to no-cost needle-free influenza vaccinations for children aged two to five ahead of the 2026 flu season.
"That's a positive step forward, and we must keep up momentum to reverse the trend of falling vaccination rates. This year, there have been more than 196,000 influenza cases statewide, and just 20.1% of children aged six months to five years are vaccinated against influenza – the lowest in the nation.
"For a range of other diseases including measles, RSV, and whooping cough, and more - it's vital that we boost vaccination rates. It will keep our communities as safe as possible.
"Queensland is also being hit hard by the pressures of climate change, including natural disasters such as cyclones and floods. We must make sure that GPs and practice teams are front and centre when it comes to planning, preparation, mitigation, and recovery.
"So, we congratulate Dr Gale on her new role, and we will do everything we can to work closely with her to improve the health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders in all corners of our great state."
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