Today, Professor Brendan Murphy AC has announced his decision to retire from his position as Secretary of the Department of Health and Aged Care, effective 6 July 2023.
Professor Murphy has been Secretary since 2020, after joining the Department as Chief Medical Officer in 2016.
Australians got to know Professor Murphy throughout the pandemic as he led the Department of Health during its biggest public health response in over 100 years.
Professor Murphy's time as Secretary was broader than just COVID, he has overseen the start of aged care, mental health, primary care and health workforce reform.
With Professor Murphy's leadership the Department has responded to a renewed focus on Commonwealth-State health relations, including advising National Cabinet.
I want to thank Professor Murphy for his professionalism and his help in establishing the Health and Aged Care Ministerial Office for the Albanese Government.
I wish him well in his retirement.
A merit-based recruitment process has commenced to appoint the next Secretary.
