Caroline McElnay. Photo: Pool / Stuff / Robert Kitchin
New Zealand's top public health official during the COVID-19 pandemic has been appointed the Chief Health Officer for the state of Victoria in Australia.
Dr Caroline McElnay, who was Director of Public Health between 2017 and 2022, became a familiar face and voice to New Zealanders during the height of the pandemic.
McElnay would frequently front updates alongside then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield.
She was named a companion of the Queen's Service Order in 2023 in recognition of her significant service to public health.
In a statement on the Victorian Government website, Dr McElnay said she was "honoured to serve the Victorian community in this important role".
"I look forward to working collaboratively with government and the health sector to protect the health and wellbeing of all Victorians."
As Chief Health Officer, McElnay will provide expert clinical and scientific advice and leadership on issues impacting public health and oversee a variety of statutory functions under health and food-related legislation.
Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said Dr McElnay's appointment followed an extensive global recruitment process.
"Dr McElnay is highly respected for her leadership, expertise and experience in public health - her appointment is a major win for Victoria. I look forward to working with her to ensure Victorians remain some of the healthiest people in the world."
During her more than 20 year career, Dr McElnay had been a "strong advocate for health health equity", with a focus on boosting child immunisation rates, which was also a priority for Victoria.
As New Zealand's Public Health Director, Dr McElnay gave technical advice during the COVID-19 vaccination programme, monitored global developments on the virus, and worked to assess risks with Australian counterparts as a member of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.
She collaborated on a paper analysing the impact of the country's initial response to COVID-19, which resulted in the team being awarded the Liley Medal from the Royal Society of New Zealand.
McElnay is the second New Zealander to be appointed to a top role in Victoria this month, following the announcement that former New Zealand police commissioner Mike Bush would become Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police.
She will start the new role in August.
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