Overview

• Queensland Health named the former NSW deputy chief health officer after a lengthy search that followed Dr John Gerrard’s departure last year.
• Dr Gale’s experience includes five years with Médecins Sans Frontières treating refugees on the Thailand–Myanmar border and field work across Africa, South America and the Asia-Pacific, after beginning her career in Townsville.
• Acting CHOs Dr Catherine McDougall and Dr Heidi Carroll will continue in the role until Dr Gale’s December commencement.
• An earlier offer to infectious diseases specialist Dr Krispin Hajkowicz was rescinded during the process, with the government citing concerns about stability and longevity and denying political interference.
• The role was advertised internationally with pay up to $431,000, and a separate process will recruit a Chief First Nations Health Officer.