Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton resigns

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton resigns – after introducing some of the toughest Covid rules in the world during the pandemic

  • Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton resigns
  • Premier Daniel Andrews thanked him for his service
  • Sutton became a familiar face during Covid pandemic 

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton has resigned after leading the state through the COVID-19 pandemic with some of the world’s toughest restrictions.

Professor Sutton will step down from his role after four years to take up a new role as director of health and biosecurity at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency.   

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on Friday thanked Prof Sutton for his service with the Department of Health over the last 12 years.

‘For more than a decade, Professor Sutton has served our state and guided us through some of the most difficult times,’ Mr Andrews wrote on Twitter.

‘As CHO, Brett helped keep us informed, and above all, safe.

‘Thank you for your service, and all the very best for your next role.’

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton has resigned after leading the state through the COVID-19 pandemic with some of the world’s toughest restrictions

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews (centre) on Friday thanked Prof Sutton (right) for his service with the Department of Health over the last 12 years

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews (centre) on Friday thanked Prof Sutton (right) for his service with the Department of Health over the last 12 years

Department of Health secretary Euan Wallace hailed Prof Sutton as an invaluable leader and thanked him for his work during the public health crisis.

‘Since joining the Department in 2011, Professor Sutton has helped to develop a strong and responsive public health team, providing critical health information and advice on a wide variety of issues and emergencies over the years,’ he said. 

‘He was appointed Chief Health Officer in 2019 and led Victoria’s health response throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, playing a key role in keeping the community safe and informed.’

Prof Sutton first joined the Department of Health in 2011 and was appointed chief health officer in 2019.

He became a familiar face during the pandemic, often appearing alongside the premier at media conferences.

At times, he was marred by controversy, particularly after Melbourne had one of the world’s longest lockdowns, which he maintains was necessary. 

Professor Sutton became a familiar face during the pandemic, often appearing alongside the premier at media conferences (pictured in October, 2021)

Professor Sutton became a familiar face during the pandemic, often appearing alongside the premier at media conferences (pictured in October, 2021)

At times, Prof Sutton (right) was marred by controversy, particularly after Melbourne had one of the world's longest lockdowns, which he maintains was necessary

At times, Prof Sutton (right) was marred by controversy, particularly after Melbourne had one of the world’s longest lockdowns, which he maintains was necessary

In early 2020, he became one of the first government officials in the world to acknowledge the health crisis after tweeting that a pandemic was “very likely, if not inevitable” which drew mixed reactions.

There were also previous reports of a looming resignation amid internal clashes between himself and other health experts over conflicting views around public health orders.

Prof Sutton was involved in developing parts of the framework supporting the state’s disastrous hotel quarantine program and had raised concerns about the use of private guards.

He previously acknowledged failures within Victoria’s contact tracing system during an appearance before a state parliamentary inquiry into the matter.

Prof Sutton’s last day has not yet been decided. 

In a statement issued on Friday morning, the state health department said details of the resignation, including a replacement, had yet to be finalised. 



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