Chief public health officer Professor Nicola Spurrier rehired for another three years

The face of SA’s Covid fightback, Professor Nicola Spurrier, has been rehired after her “extraordinary” leadership during the pandemic.

The state’s top public doctor, and the public face of South Australia’s Covid-19 fight, has been rehired after her “extraordinary” pandemic leadership, the Premier has revealed.

Official records show the state government has reappointed chief public health officer, Professor Nicola Spurrier, for another three years.

Premier Peter Malinauskas, Health Minister Chris Picton and the Opposition on Friday all paid tribute to Prof Spurrier’s leadership fighting Covid.

Health Minister Chris Picton, Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, Premier Peter Malinauskas and chief public health officer Professor Nicola Spurrier announce the end of the emergency declaration in May. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Naomi Jellicoe

The Premier said she had indicated she wished to stay in the role, which she started five months before the pandemic erupted in February 2020.

“I’m very grateful when Prof Spurrier made it clear that she was keen to stay on in the role,” the Premier said.

“Obviously she’s done an extraordinary job over the course of one of the most difficult times in the history of our state and the country.

“We thank her for her service. I was very grateful when she conveyed to the government that she was keen to stay on in that role. And that is why we’ve reappointed her.”

Mr Picton, who recommended her extension to Cabinet, said Prof Spurrier would provide Covid advice and “on all the other public health challenges we face”.

“Professor Spurrier has done an incredible job during the course of the Covid-19 pandemic and has earned the trust of South Australians,” he said.

“This has been an incredibly difficult job at a difficult time and I thank her for her tireless work and commitment to public health.

‘I’m delighted she will stay on in this role and continue to provide health advice on the pandemic and other important public health issues.”

During an executive council meeting this week, Governor Frances Adamson signed off the appointment, according to a Government Gazette notice.

Cabinet had already approved her re-hiring, which was then communicated to the Governor, officials said.

Under public health laws, her three-year term will start next week and expire in August 2025.

Cabinet Minister Zoe Bettison formally announced the decision on behalf of Mr Malinauskas, records show.

Professor Spurrier in her Hindmarsh Square office. Picture: Tom Huntley

In a bipartisan move, Opposition health spokeswoman Ashton Hurn also offered her congratulations.

“Professor Spurrier played a key role in helping shape our state’s Covid-19 response – a response which made South Australia the safest state in the safest nation” she said.

“We congratulate her on her reappointment.”

A paediatrician who has consulted at Flinders Medical Centre, Prof Spurrier took up the role on September 2, 2019 after more than quarter of a century in public health.

The previous Liberal government made the role full time for the first time.

Prof Spurrier, 55, a mother-of-three who lives in the southeastern foothills with her physiotherapist husband, David, 56, and pet border collie dog Daisy, has since become one of the state’s most recognisable faces.

Professor Spurrier signs autographs at The Heights School, Brunel Drive, Modbury Heights. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Naomi Jellicoe

Professor Nicola Spurrier at a press conference to announce 40 vaccination hubs at schools across regional and metro SA. Picture: Tom Huntley

She has provided crucial advice to the state’s Covid chiefs, who sat on panels including the transition, directions and Covid-ready committees as well as the current Emergency Management Council.

She was part of the inner circle that briefed Police Commissioner Grant Stevens as state Covid co-ordinator on critical health developments that helped shape decisions on restrictions, border closures and lockdowns.

Prof Spurrier, who contracted Covid for the first time last month - days after having her fourth Covid vaccination - also directly advises Mr Malinauskas as she did with former premier Steven Marshall, who has also praised her success.

She also sits on the country’s emergency medical panel, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, which advises the national cabinet, comprising Prime Minister Anthony Albanese along with state and territory leaders.

Prof Spurrier is seen during the hearing by the parliamentary oversight Committee over COVID-19 Directions at Parliament House in Adelaide. Picture: NCA NewsWire/David Mariuz

Prof Spurrier, a keen trail runner, has, however, generated headlines for some unorthodox advice such as “ducking and not touching” footballs if kicked into the Adelaide Oval crowds.

She has won several awards including The Advertiser and Sunday Mail’s Woman of the Year and SA’s recipient of the Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership.

Despite her cult following, she has ruled out a jump to politics.