Brendan Murphy, who Australians watched on television almost every day during the COVID-19 lockdowns, has stepped down from his role as the department’s secretary.
After being named the director of the Department of Health and Aged Care in 2020, the former Chief Medical Officer, who today announced his resignation, guided the federal Department of Health through the pandemic.
While employed, he also managed the growth of primary care, mental health, aged care, and health workforce reform.
Murphy will leave his position as secretary on July 6.
In a statement this morning, health minister Mark Butler expressed his best wishes for Murphy as he enters retirement.
Because Professor Murphy oversaw the Department of Health’s largest public health response in more than a century, “Australians got to know Professor Murphy throughout the pandemic,” Butler said.
More than only COVID, Professor Murphy oversaw the beginnings of elderly care, mental health, primary care, and health workforce reform during his tenure as Secretary.
For his expertise and assistance in setting up the Health and Aged Care Ministerial Office for the Albanese Government, I would like to express my gratitude to Professor Murphy.retary.
