Chief Health Officer named Queensland’s next Governor

Published 10:08am 21 June 2021

Words by Jodie Powell

Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeanette Young has been named as the state’s 27^th Governor.

Member for Redcliffe and Health Minister Yvette D’Ath says while she is sad to lose Dr Young as Chief Health Officer, she’s delighted by the announcement.

“It’s sad to lose my Chief Health Officer, but (an) absolute joy to know Dr Young is going to be our next Governor of Queensland,” Mrs D’Ath says.

“I could not think of anyone more suited to take on this role.”

Well-respected

Murrumba MP and Deputy Premier Steven Miles says that having seen how hard Dr Young has worked since the outbreak of COVID-19, he believes she will make a wonderful Governor.

“I saw, as Health Minister, behind the scenes just how hard-working she is, how smart and dedicated she is, and how respected she is across our health system and throughout the whole health sector,” Mr Miles says.

“Dr Jeannette Young kept Queenslanders safe throughout COVID, she is much-loved throughout our state and she will be a wonderful Governor of Queensland.”

Another honour

Dr Young, who was awarded the Australian Medical Association (AMA) Queensland Excellence in Health Care Medal in December in recognition of her exemplary leadership in managing the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, says she is honoured to have been named the state’s next Governor.

She will take on the role in November, after current Governor Paul De Jersey agreed to extend his term so Dr Young could continue to oversee Queensland’s COVID-19 vaccination program.

“It’s an enormous honour and one I am so pleased to accept,” Dr Young says.

“It will be a real privilege to go across our state and talk to Queenslanders.

“This is such an honour to be the Governor of Queensland; it’s such an opportunity to work so that Queenslanders feel proud – as I am sure they already do – to be living in this state.”

Community support

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the appointment is well-deserved and reflects the community’s support for Dr Young.

“I actually think Queenslanders decided this – I just think she has been a rock for Queensland during this pandemic,” Ms Palaszczuk says

“I’m quite sure she will be the people’s Governor because she has been with the people of this state through the most difficult challenge that this state has had to face.”