I join the Prime Minister in providing my deepest thanks to Ms Glenys Beauchamp PSM for her distinguished public service career which has spanned over 30 years.
Ms Glenys Beauchamp PSM has been an outstanding Secretary of the Department of Health since her appointment to the position in September 2017.
Ms Beauchamp has decided to retire, with effect from 28 February 2020. She will be on leave from 24 January 2020.
Ms Beauchamp has served the Australian people with distinction over her 21 year career in the Australian Public Service, including nine years at Secretary level, as well as 13 years in the ACT Public Service.
Ms Beauchamp received the Public Service Medal in 2010 for outstanding public service in coordinating the Australian Government’s response to the 2009 Victorian bushfires.
In her time as Secretary of Health, she has been instrumental in improving health services for the Australian people, including a focus on mental health, increased medical research, funding life-saving medicines and strengthening our relationships with the health community.
She has been an excellent leader for the staff of the Health Department and I have valued her advice and commitment to serving the Australian people.
I wish her well in her retirement.
I am pleased that the current Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy, is being recommended for appointment as the new Secretary.
Professor Murphy is well respected by the medical profession. He was appointed the Chief Medical Officer in 2016, and prior to that was Chief Executive Officer at Austin Health in Victoria. He has worked for 40 years in the Australian health system as a doctor, medical researcher and senior executive.
He has held a range of Board positions including at the Florey Institute, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
I believe his appointment will ensure ongoing strong leadership and a focus on the delivery of health services to the Australian community from the Department of Health.
