RACGP President thanks outgoing DoH Secretary

Professor Brendan Murphy AC has announced his decision to retire from his position as Secretary of the Department of Health and Aged Care (DoH), effective 6 July.
 
In 2016, Professor Murphy joined the DoH as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and went on to become a household name as he led the department through the COVID-19 pandemic – its most significant public health response in more than 100 years.
 
After just under four years as CMO, Professor Murphy was appointed Secretary in 2020.
 
Following news of his retirement, RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins thanked the outgoing Secretary for his contribution to the public, especially for his work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
‘I thank Professor Brendan Murphy for his service during a critical time for Australian healthcare,’ she said.
 
‘Professor Murphy worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic and Australia’s biggest public health response, which saw GPs on the frontline working hard to keep people safe and ensure access to care while delivering the nation’s largest vaccine rollout.’
 
Prior to joining the DoH, Professor Murphy trained and worked as a nephrologist, served as Chief Executive Officer of Austin Health in Victoria, and had been appointed CMO and director of Nephrology at St Vincent’s Health.
 
He also served as President of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology and has sat on various boards.
 
As well as taking a leading role in Australia’s COVID-19 response, during his time as Secretary Professor Murphy has also overseen the commencement of reform across a range of sectors including primary care and health workforce, as well as aged care and mental health.
 
Federal Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler noted that Professor Murphy’s leadership has contributed to a ‘renewed focus on Commonwealth-State health relations’, including advising National Cabinet.
 
‘I want to thank Professor Murphy for his professionalism and his help in establishing the Health and Aged Care Ministerial Office for the Albanese Government,’ Minister Butler said.
 
‘I wish him well in his retirement.’
 
Dr Higgins said that Professor Murphy’s retirement coincides with a pivotal time for primary care in Australia.
 
‘Our nation needs serious reforms and funding to ensure everyone in Australia can access the care they need into the future, no matter their postcode or income,’ she said.
 
‘I look forward to working with the future Secretary of the Department of Health and Aged Care to this end. Australians must not settle for anything less.’
 
Minister Butler has confirmed that a merit-based recruitment process has commenced to appoint the next Secretary.
 
Log in below to join the conversation.

Brendan Murphy DoH pandemic resignation Secretary