Dr Hugh Heggie became aware of his Administrator appointment six months before paid sabbatical

For 15 months, Dr Hugh Heggie was absent from his role as chief health officer, which coincides with his appointment as NT Administrator.

The controversial appointment of Dr Hugh Heggie as Territory Administrator was a legacy pick from former chief minister Michael Gunner, it can be revealed.

It appears the former chief health officer became aware of his appointment in November 2021, six months before taking a six-month paid sabbatical to study bush medicine and other wellness-related measures.

In a radio interview on Friday, Dr Heggie said he knew he would be appointed to the role well before Chief Minister Natasha Fyles took over the top job in May 2022.

“Well over a year … it would be November the year before last,” Dr Heggie told Jo Laverty on ABC Breakfast.

Ms Fyles confirmed the new Administrator was confirmed prior to her taking office in May 2022, and the process included both Commonwealth and NT governments.

Dr Heggie was sworn in as NT Administrator on February 3, almost 15 months after being promised the job.

He replaced Vicki O’Halloran AO CVO who held the position for five years.

About the same time Dr Heggie was told of his new role, Dr Charles Pain was appointed the Territory’s deputy chief health officer.

Deputy chief health officer Charles Pain gives an update during the Covid pandemic. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Dr Pain appeared as deputy CHO on November 4, 2021 at a press conference about growing Covid cases.

Dr Heggie returned to duties in January 2022 but disappeared again from February, when Dr Pain again stepped up.

In May that year, then Department of Health chief executive Frank Daly sent an internal memo informing staff Dr Heggie had taken a paid six-month sabbatical.

“Chief health officer Dr Hugh Heggie is undertaking an extended period of sabbatical leave from May 12 to October 31, 2022,“ the email read.

“During this time, Dr Charles Pain will be the NT chief health officer.

“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.”

According to a Government Gazette in December 2022, Dr Jacqui Murdoch was appointed the Territory’s new chief health officer.