Queensland CHO named as next state governor
Dr Young says the likelihood of another Qld lockdown is decreasing, but still not zero.
Queenslandâs chief health officer Jeannette Young has been announced as the stateâs next governor.
She will replace Governor Paul de Jersey when his term ends later in 2021.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the appointment was in recognition of Dr Youngâs âexemplaryâ service as Queenslandâs chief health officer during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Young will become Queenslandâs 27th governor and described the appointment as âan enormous honourâ.
Justice de Jersey has agreed to extend his term until November 1, enabling Dr Young to focus on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
âI was so glad that the current governor agreed to extend his time. He has done such a lengthy term, which is truly fantastic of him,â Dr Young said.
âI do want to continue to push to roll out the vaccine.
âI want every adult Queenslander 16 years of age and over, able to have at least been offered the vaccine before I become governor, thatâs absolutely my push over the time between now and November.â
Dr Young thanked Queenslanders for their courage and devotion in helping each other through the worst of the pandemic.
âI also want to thank the Premier for her leadership and support, and this tremendous honour,â Dr Young said.
When asked if she was a monarchist, Dr Young said she believed that was âirrelevantâ.
âI am here to provide a role thatâs really important and I think our process of government in Queensland and Australia is to be envied around the world.â
âNo one more deservingâ
The Premier said Dr Young had led the state through âthe greatest peacetime emergency in a centuryâ.
âQueenslanders have come to know Dr Young, who has stood by my side during hundreds of COVID media conferences,â Ms Palaszczuk said.
âThe people of this state know she stood by their side too and kept us safe.
âThere is no-one more deserving of the title âHer Excellencyâ.â
Ms Palaszczuk said the Queen had already approved Dr Youngâs appointment.
An external recruitment process will be conducted to find Dr Youngâs replacement as the stateâs chief health officer.
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