Coronavirus: New medical chief Paul Kelly ‘well suited for job’

Public health physician Paul Kelly’s appointment as Australia’s permanent Chief Medical Officer has been welcomed by doctors.

Newly appointed Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly. Picture: Gary Ramage

Public health physician Paul Kelly’s appointment as Australia’s permanent Chief Medical Officer has been welcomed by doctors who say he is uniquely qualified to lead Australia’s fight against coronavirus.

The appointment of an academic and public servant with a long background in public health and research was particularly hailed by health experts.

Professor Kelly is a public health physician and epidemiologist who has been serving as the Acting Chief Health Officer since Brendan Murphy left the role to become federal Health Secretary.

Professor Kelly, who previously served as ACT Chief Health Officer, is a highly respected and popular figure in the public service.

He was the principal investigator in the initial development and implementation of the Influenza Complications Alert Network (FluCAN), and continues in the role of co-investigator.

Before joining the public service in the ACT, he spent nine years in the Northern Territory as principle research fellow with the Menzies School of Health Research, as well as with the Centre for Disease Control in the Territory’s Department of Health.

Infectious diseases physician and microbiologist Peter Collignon, who has known Professor Kelly for 10 years, said his strong public health background was welcomed as Australia grappled with the impacts of COVID-19.

“I think he’s got a lot of attributes that are very well suited for a chief health officer,” Professor Collignon said. “The other thing is he is very personable. He listens and takes everything into ­account before making a decision.

“He’s got a lot of knowledge about how coronavirus spreads, he’s got a very good public health background. I think he has realistic viewpoints about what is achievable in managing coronavirus over the medium to long term.

“And the fact that he’s working in … influenza will really stand him in incredibly good stead.

“If you’ve got a public health background, you’re more aware of the nuances of how infection spreads … it gives you much better ability to understand the nuances of it, that can change with time, if you’ve had more of a public health background.”

Professor Kelly said he was honoured to take up the role on a permanent basis.

“It’s a privilege to be appointed as Australia’s Chief Medical Officer at such an important time for the country,” Professor Kelly said.

“I thank Australians for all they have sacrificed throughout a very challenging year to help combat this insidious virus.

“Working with the Deputy Chief Medical Officers, the Chief Nurse and Midwifery Officer and state and territory counterparts, it has been heartening seeing Australians’ vigilance to following the medical advice.

“It is through this that we have been able to successfully suppress the virus, and this commitment gives me confidence that we will do this again with the Avalon outbreak, ahead of the vaccine rollout next year.”