After more than two decades at the forefront of public health in Western Australia, the state’s Chief Health Officer (CHO) is set to retire next year.
Dr Andy Robertson helped guide the state’s health policy through the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.
He became a familiar face outside of heath circles during that time, often relaying critical health information to the public during live press conferences beside then Premier Mark McGowan.
But his career, including 22 years within the Department of Health, spanned an even wider range of work.
Before joining the health department, he spent 19 years with the Royal Australian Navy where his specialist medical qualifications in public health medicine and medical administration, and sub-specialty training in underwater medicine, disaster medicine, and chemical, biological and radiological defence were put to use.
He completed three tours to Iraq as a biological weapons chief inspector with the United Nations Special Commission as well as a number of sea postings.
RELATED: Opinions: WA’s COVID response
Dr Robertson joined the WA Department of Health in 2003 as the Director of Disaster Preparedness and established a career focused on public health emergency management.
Dr Robertson led health sector responses to events such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2005 Bali bombings, and undertook emergency deployments after regional earthquakes and the Fukushima nuclear incident.
During the pandemic he was a key part of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, established to lead national health responses to the pandemic.
As well as serving as CHO, Dr Robertson has held roles as the Deputy Director General, Public and Aboriginal Health in the Department of Health, and chaired the Radiological Council of WA among other duties.
Dr Robertson will continue in the roles of Chief Health Officer and Deputy Director General, Public and Aboriginal Health until February.
Premier Roger Cook extended his thanks to Dr Robertson, whose contribution to the state’s public health he described as “exceptional”.
“As Health Minister at the time, I want to personally thank Andy for his leadership, advice, and steadfast intellectual discipline in a globally exemplary response to the pandemic,” he said.
“His leadership was pivotal during the COVID-19 pandemic – arguably the most significant public health crisis in a century – where he guided the state’s response with expertise and resolve.”
Want more news, clinicals, features and guest columns delivered straight to you? Subscribe for free to WA’s only independent magazine for medical practitioners.
Want to submit an article? Email editor@mforum.com.au