Victoria health chief Brett Sutton resigns after leading state Covid response

The man who implemented Victoria’s controversial Covid lockdowns has resigned after four years in the top job.

The man behind Victoria’s controversial Covid response which saw much of the state shuttered for months has resigned.

Chief health officer Brett Sutton announced he would be stepping down as the state’s health czar after more than three years in the top role.

Mr Sutton joined the Health Department in 2011, before leading the state’s response to the Covid pandemic from late-2019.

Victoria was subjected to some of the largest Covid waves throughout the pandemic, with six lockdown measures being implemented.

While widely seen as being instrumental in curbing Covid cases, tight lockdown laws drew criticism throughout Mr Sutton’s tenure.

Victorian Premier Dan Andrews defended the state’s response late-last year, stating the pandemic presented “difficult decisions” for leaders.

“These decisions were not made lightly, and they were the subject of debate and discussion and very careful consideration,” Mr Andrews said.

Mr Andrews’ comments followed the release last year of 97-page independent review led by former top public servant Peter Shergold.

Mr Sutton joined the Health Department in 2011, before leading the state’s response to the Covid pandemic from late-2019. Picture: Daniel Pockett

The report urged governments at all levels – state and federal - to learn from the past three years.

In a statement, Victoria’s Health Department said Mr Sutton would be leaving government for a role with the country’s chief science body.

“Professor Sutton is an invaluable leader in the field of public health and will be continuing this great work in his new role at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, as Director of Health and Biosecurity,” a spokesperson said.

“He has helped to develop a strong and responsive public health team, providing critical health information and advice on a wide variety of issues and emergencies over the years.

“This experience will no doubt be instrumental in Professor Sutton’s new role at CSIRO where he will remain engaged in health and wellbeing at a national and regional level.”

Despite pushback against Covid measures, Mr Sutton’s omnipresence on TV and online during the pandemic earned him a loyal fanbase.

More than 4500 people are currently part of the Brett Sutton Fan Club on Facebook, with posts as recently as April celebrating his birthday.

At the end of 2020 - the first year of lockdowns - Dust Bunny Productions unveiled their 2021 Brett Sutton calendar.

The calendar featured 15 full colour photos that appeared to be from Prof Sutton’s daily Covid briefings.

Mr Sutton was regularly described as an “unlikely sex symbol” with some fans labelling him a “spunk rat”.

The shock resignation also comes after a number of high-profile departures from state health leadership.

NSW Health secretary Elizabeth Koff - who led that state’s response - resigned in early 2022.

Earlier this year, WA Premier Mark McGowan also left the top job after implementing some of the country’s harshest Covid measures.

Health officials were still finalising the details of Mr Sutton’s transition, including any acting arrangements.