Chief health officer announces his shock resignation

Queensland’s chief health officer, John Gerrard, announced his resignation as the state’s top health officer in December.

Prime Minister David Crisafulli confirmed that Dr Gerrard had submitted his resignation on October 13 during the interim period while state elections were underway.

“He has made a great contribution and he wants to continue to contribute, but now that we are on the front line we would like to thank him for his service,” Mr Crisafulli said.

‘We would like to thank him for his contribution at a very difficult time for the state and we wish him the best of luck as he returns to the front line to do what he has done all his life. In any case, we wish him all the best.’

Dr. Gerrard’s last day in this position will be December 12.

His contract was up for renewal, but in early October he informed the Director General of his intention to resign as Chief Health Officer.

Dr. Gerrard was appointed Chief Health Officer in December 2021, following the resignation of Jeannette Young before she became Governor of Queensland.

He will return to a full-time clinical role after three years in the top role.