Daniel Andrews says Brett Sutton not interested in Queen’s Birthday honours

Brett Sutton was snubbed for a Queen’s Birthday honour, but Daniel Andrews says he wouldn’t care anyway.

Daniel Andrews insists he doesn’t know if the government put Brett Sutton forward to receive a Queen’s Birthday honour.

But the Premier says he believes the state’s chief health officer would be “far more focused … on getting the job done not necessarily on gongs”.

Professor Sutton, and former deputy chief health officer Allen Cheng, were both snubbed of official honours, while many of their interstate counterparts were formally recognised.

New South Wales chief health officer Kerry Chant was awarded an AO for her “distinguished service to the people on New South Wales”, while former Queensland chief health officer — now Queensland governor — Jeannette Young received an AC.

The nation’s former chief medical officer, Brendan Murphy, was also appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia, for his work during the pandemic.

New South Wales chief health officer Kerry Chant was awarded an AO.

Former Queensland chief health officer — now Queensland governor — Jeannette Young received an AC. Picture: Sarah Marshall

Celebrity epidemiologist Mary-Louise McLaws got an AO for her service to infection prevention.

But Professor Sutton — who on Monday announced he was going on a month’s leave — was not recognised.

Mr Andrews said he had no control of who was awarded, but claimed he didn’t know if his government had nominated Professor Sutton.

“I don’t know that and I don’t know if I necessarily have time to find that out,” he said.

“That’s not a matter for me. Honours are awarded by others.

“I don’t determine who gets honoured.

Daniel Andrews is unsure if his government nominated Brett Sutton for a Queen’s Birthday honour. Picture: Ian Currie

“I think Professor Sutton has done an amazing job and knowing him very well, I don’t think that he’d been troubled by that.

“I think he’s far more focused … on getting the job done not necessarily on gongs.”

The Herald Sun has contacted the Victorian Governor’s office for comment.

It follows weeks of speculation that Professor Sutton has been “sidelined” by the Andrews government.

Professor Sutton has not fronted the media in weeks.

Mr Andrews and Health Minister Martin Foley insist they have no advice to introduce mask mandates in more settings, despite increased calls from healthcare professionals and numerous social media posts from the chief health officer’s official communication channels about the importance of wearing masks indoors.

Professor Sutton on Monday morning tweeted: “Tweeps – I’m on leave for a month. You may see Prof Ben Cowie on here in my absence. Go well, #maskup and get your winter dose. Hope you dodge that damn virus, but if not, report those RATs to be on a care pathway.”