Chief health officer Jeannette Young named Queensland’s next governor

Queensland Premier says there is ‘no-one more deserving of the title Her Excellency’ than Jeannette Young.

Queensland chief health officer Jeanette Young. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Dan Peled

Queensland’s chief health officer Jeannette Young has been named the state’s next governor, a reward for leading one of the world’s most successful responses to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr Young has served as Queensland’s top doctor for 16 years and will begin her new role on November 1, replacing out­going governor Paul de Jersey.

As Australia’s longest-serving chief health officer, Dr Young has provided support and advice to counterparts in other states over the past 18 months and is well-­respected among colleagues. She has advised four premiers, both Labor and LNP, in six epidemics.

Under her tough coronavirus border regime, criticised by other states and business leaders, Queensland has avoided community transmission in vulnerable Indigenous communities and aged-care facilities.

Although seven Queenslanders have died after being infected with the virus since the pandemic began, none contracted the disease within the state.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Dr Young’s appointment, which has been approved by the Queen, was a “no brainer”.

“I’m quite sure she’ll be the people’s governor because she has been with the people of this state through the most difficult challenges that our state has ever had to face,” she said.

Mr de Jersey has agreed to extend his term to allow Dr Young to oversee the bulk of the Covid vaccine rollout.

“I want every adult Queenslander 16 years of age and over able to have at least been offered the vaccine before I become governor, that’s absolutely my push over the time between now and November,” she said.

Dr Young cites advocating for tough anti-smoking laws and free nicotine replacements for vulnerable people among her greatest achievements.

“We have gotten our smoking rate down to 9 per cent which is so good and I hope it continues to decrease,” Dr Young said.

Queensland’s childhood vaccination rates have increased to the target 95 per cent that was set under her leadership.

Dr Young’s husband, microbiologist Graeme Nimmo, had been “the most enormous support” during the pandemic, she said.

“I’ve always been very happy to support Jeannette in her role and I will be delighted to continue to do so,” Professor Nimmo said.