CHO Hugh Heggie on paid overseas sabbatical studying bush medicine, well-being, wellness

Chief Health Officer Hugh Heggie is on a paid six-month overseas sabbatical. FIND OUT WHY

THE architect of the nation’s most draconian Covid-19 regulations has taken a paid six-month sabbatical to study bush medicine and other wellness-related measures.

Chief Health Officer Hugh Heggie took off on May 12, a week before the government passed laws that critics say gives the CHO “unfettered powers” over Territorians.

Not only will Dr Heggie be absent for the first six months of the reforms, he was also officially on sabbatical when the legislation passed through Parliament.

Department of Health chief executive Frank Daly announced Dr Heggie’s sabbatical in an internal broadcast emailed to relevant public sector and government staff.

“Chief Health Officer Dr Hugh Heggie is undertaking an extended period of sabbatical leave from 12 May to 31 October 2022. During this time, Dr Charles Pain will be the NT Chief Health Officer,’ the email said.

“Dr Heggie is taking leave after almost two-and-a-half years helping to lead the Territory’s health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As part of his ongoing professional development, Dr Heggie will be undertaking research relating to the pharmacology of bush medicine. He will also be investigating the benefits of exercise and diet in preventing and reversing health conditions.

“I wish Dr Heggie all the best on his research project and look forward to hearing all about his adventures when he returns in November.”

The NT News has been told Dr Heggie will travel overseas to study wellness and well-being measures.

In a statement, the NT government said Dr Heggie’s leave came “after almost two-and-a-half years helping to lead the Territroy’s health response”.

The statement did not respond to a question about whether Dr Heggie would return to the CHO role.

Under workplace agreements, clinicians are entitled to sabbaticals for reasons of professional development.

Soon after Dr Heggie left, the government made amendments to the Public and Environmental Health Act extending the CHO’s powers by two years.

This gives the CHO extended powers over the vaccine mandate, lockdowns and lockouts and isolation requirements until June 2024.

Chief Minister and Health Minister Natasha Fyles said the changes were necessary as the Territory transitioned from the pandemic’s emergency phase.

CLP justice spokesman Steve Edgington said the bill gave the CHO unprecedented power with no checks or balances.

Opposition health spokesman Minister Bill Yan said the “extraordinary power” granted to the unelected CHO showed Labor had something to hide and were on a power grab.

“Territorians aren’t fooled by the Labor Government’s blatant attempt to retain as much control as possible while avoiding all scrutiny,” Mr Yan said.

“That’s why more than 4200 Territorians signed a petition against this extraordinary and overreaching legislation.”