The man behind Victoria’s controversial Covid response which noticed a lot of the state shuttered for months has resigned.
Chief well being officer Brett Sutton introduced he can be stepping down because the state’s well being czar after greater than three years within the high position.
Mr Sutton joined the Health Department in 2011, earlier than main the state’s response to the Covid pandemic from late-2019.
Victoria was subjected to a number of the largest Covid waves all through the pandemic, with six lockdown measures being carried out.
While broadly seen as being instrumental in curbing Covid instances, tight lockdown legal guidelines drew criticism all through Mr Sutton’s tenure.
Victorian Premier Dan Andrews defended the state’s response late-last 12 months, stating the pandemic offered “difficult decisions” for leaders.
“These decisions were not made lightly, and they were the subject of debate and discussion and very careful consideration,” Mr Andrews mentioned.
Mr Andrews’ feedback adopted the discharge final 12 months of 97-page unbiased evaluate led by former high public servant Peter Shergold.
The report urged governments in any respect ranges – state and federal – to study from the previous three years.
In a press release, Victoria’s Health Department mentioned Mr Sutton can be leaving authorities for a task with the nation’s chief science physique.
“Professor Sutton is an invaluable leader in the field of public health and will be continuing this great work in his new role at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, as Director of Health and Biosecurity,” a spokesperson mentioned.
“He 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.
“This experience will no doubt be instrumental in Professor Sutton’s new role at CSIRO where he will remain engaged in health and wellbeing at a national and regional level.”
Health officers have been nonetheless finalising the main points of Mr Sutton’s transition, together with any appearing preparations.
Originally revealed as Victoria well being chief Brett Sutton resigns after main state Covid response
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
