Spurrier to stay on as public health chief until 2025
Chief public health officer Professor Nicola Spurrier, who has been the face of South Australia’s pandemic response, has been reappointed to her high-profile role for another three years.
Chief public health officer Nicola Spurrier during an interview with InDaily in February 2021, discussing the state's upcoming COVID-19 vaccination program. Spurrier has been re-appointed to her role for another three years. Photo: Tony Lewis/InDaily
The appointment, announced in Thursday’s Government Gazette, will see Spurrier remain chief public health officer until at least August 28, 2025.
She was first appointed to the role in August 2019 after more than 25 years with SA Health.
The former paediatrician was tasked with overseeing South Australia’s health response to the 2019/20 black summer bushfires and then the pandemic in March 2020.
She has also regularly provided health advice to the state’s COVID-19 decision-making bodies – such as the Transition Committee and the Emergency Management Council – and has had a significant influence over the management of public health restrictions in South Australia.
Her new three-year term as chief public health officer begins on August 29.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said Spurrier had asked for the extension.
“I’m very grateful when Professor Spurrier made it clear she was keen to stay on in the role,” Malinauskas told reporters today.
“Obviously she’s done an extraordinary job throughout the course of one of the most difficult times in the history of our state and the country.
“We thank her for her service.”
