Dr Christine Connors named as NT’s Chief Health Officer

The NT’s newest Chief Health Officer has over 30 years of experience in the industry. Meet the woman soon to be at the helm.

Dr Christine Connors has been working in the health industry in the NT for more than three decades.

A health professional with decades of experience in primary care, research and leadership has been chosen as the NT’s Chief Health Officer.

Dr Christine Connors has been named as the Territory’s newest top health officer, taking over from Dr Jackie Murdoch.

Dr Murdoch was quietly named as the new CHO in a government gazette released in December 2022, following former CHO Dr Hugh Heggie’s appointment as the NT’s 23rd Administrator.

Dr Connors has a background in general practice, research and has served as an executive of the Top End Regional Health Service, specialising in improving integration of health care delivery between hospitals and remote medical centres.

Dr Christine Connors is the Territory's newest Chief Health Officer. Picture: Supplied

Her work extended into developing a remote outbreak management plan during the worst of the Covid pandemic.

This involved being part of the contact tracing, testing and vaccination team in remote communities.

Dr Connors said she was honoured to accept her new role and responsibilities.

“It is a privilege to step into the role of the Territory’s Chief Health Officer, a position responsible for providing public health leadership to protect the safety and wellbeing of everyone in our community,” she said.

She said the importance public health decision making was made clear during the pandemic.

“As we continue to adapt to living with COVID-19 and re-prioritising many other public health matters, including disease prevention, I look forward to supporting all Territorians to achieve the best possible health outcomes.”

In May last year a bill was passed to extend the CHO’s emergency powers — including the vaccine mandate, ordering lockdowns and lockouts, and isolation requirements — until June 2024.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles welcomed Dr Connors to the top job, acknowledging her credentials made her a prime candidate.

“Her valued work has seen her make improvements in primary health care and service delivery in our remote settings,” she said.

“A recognised health leader who is passionate about leading improvement, I look forward to working with Dr Connors.”

Dr Connors will start as CHO this week.