Latest SA Health big wig, who oversaw Covid-19 jab program, suddenly quits

One of South Australia’s top bureaucrats – who managed the state’s landmark Covid-19 vaccine program – has suddenly quit SA Health.

One of South Australia’s top bureaucrats who managed the state’s landmark, but at times sluggish, Covid-19 vaccine program has suddenly quit SA Health.

SA Health deputy chief executive Don Frater leaves his role on Friday, according to a memo sent to more than 34,000 staff on Monday.

In her note, SA Health’s newly appointed boss Dr Robyn Lawrence did not provide a reason for his abrupt departure after six years or his next role.

It is understood he is leaving for family illness reasons.

Mr Frater, whose wife Lois Boswell is the Human Services chief executive, is the latest in a line of senior SA Health executives to quit.

One of the faces of the pandemic, Dr Emily Kirkpatrick, resigned earlier this month for the private sector.

Outgoing SA Health deputy chief executive Don Frater with Dr Emily Kirkpatrick. Mr Frater will leave his role on Friday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

Neither Mr Frater, a former chief-of-staff to Senator Penny Wong when she was a federal Labor Minister, nor an SA Health spokeswoman would comment.

SA Health is currently undergoing a restructure of senior executives since Dr Lawrence was appointed.

The overhaul also includes scrapping Wellbeing SA and replacing it with a new Preventative Health SA agency.

In her memo, Dr Lawrence wished him and his family well.

“During his time at SA Health Don has played key roles in establishing the new Royal Adelaide Hospital, the statewide implementation of the Sunrise EMR and the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccination program,” she wrote.

A former executive in Primary Industries as well Premier and Cabinet, he is also a long-term friend of former Labor premier Jay Weatherill.

Health Minister Chris Picton also thanked Mr Frater for his “his significant work”.

“I wish him and his family all the best for the future,” he said.

Mr Frater and his wife were struck by tragedy in 2019 when their CBD house was the scene of a murder of a friend.