Department of Health

Dr Clare Looker is Victoria's Chief Health Officer. The Chief Health Officer undertakes a variety of statutory functions under health and food-related legislation. The role also provides expert clinical and scientific advice and leadership on issues impacting public health.

Responsibilities

The Chief Health Officer:

  • provides expert advice on matters relating to the health and wellbeing of the people of Victoria to:
    • the Minister for Health and Ambulance Services
    • senior leaders in the Department of Health
    • Emergency Management Victoria
    • the broader Victorian health sector
  • issues health alerts and advisories to inform Victorians about health issues that may affect their health and safety
  • performs the functions or powers specified in the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 or any regulations made under that Act
  • is the spokesperson for the Victorian Government on matters related to health protection, including public health incidents and emergencies
  • engages with the community on public health matters
  • publishes a comprehensive report on public health and wellbeing in Victoria every two years.

About Dr Clare Looker

Dr Clare Looker smiling at the camera with Carlton Gardens in the background.

Dr Looker is an experienced public health physician and has held multiple senior leadership roles in the Department’s public health team over the years, including throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

She’s highly regarded in the field and has a strong background in public health medicine, particularly in communicable diseases, environmental health and epidemiology.

Dr Looker has also worked in clinical medicine and as an epidemiologist at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

In 2022, Dr Looker was recognised as an Established Leader in the Victoria’s top public sector women in leadership awards.

About Prof Ben Cowie

Prof Ben Cowie

Professor Ben Cowie is Victoria’s Chief Health Officer one day per week, supporting Dr Clare Looker.

Prof Cowie is an infectious diseases physician and epidemiologist, with appointments at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity.

He is a Professorial Fellow in the Department of Infectious Diseases, Melbourne Medical School at the University of Melbourne.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Prof Cowie led a number of public health activities including community engagement, measures to control of community transmission of infection and in helping establish Victoria's COVID-19 vaccination program. This work complemented his clinical care for people experiencing COVID-19 infection.

Deputy Chief Health Officer (Communicable Disease)

Dr Christian McGrath and Dr Helen O'Brien are jointly acting in the role of Deputy Chief Health Officer (Communicable Disease). The Deputy Chief Health Officer (Communicable Disease) provides expert clinical and scientific advice and leadership on communicable disease and public health. This role supports the Chief Health Officer and staff within the Health Protection Branch.

Responsibilities

The Deputy Chief Health Officer (Communicable Disease):

  • leads the response to communicable disease incidents and emergencies
  • acts as Chief Health Officer, in their absence
  • engages with communicable disease clinicians
  • provides expert advice on issues relating to communicable diseases to:
  • the Chief Health Officer
  • the Minister for Health and Ambulance Services
  • senior leaders in the Department of Health
  • Emergency Management
  • the broader health sector.

Deputy Chief Health Officer (Environment)

Dr Evelyn Wong is a Public Health Physician with a PhD which focussed on epidemiological modelling methods. She is experienced in leading and developing public health policy, epidemiological modeling, translation of research into policy and practice, program implementation and evaluation.

She has extensive experience in stakeholder engagement having worked in academia, industry and government including as Deputy Chief Health Officer in Victoria in COVID-19 response. Evelyn is particularly keen to work in collaboration with others, to find innovative ways to continue building a strong and effective networked public health system in Victoria.

Responsibilities

The Deputy Chief Health Officer (Environment):

  • works closely with the Chief Health Officer and acts as Chief Health Officer in their absence
  • engages with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and other external stakeholders
  • provides expert advice on issues relating to environmental public health including climate, drinking water, legionella, radiation and food safety to:
    • the Chief Health Officer
    • the Minister for Health and Ambulance Services
    • senior leaders in the Department of Health
    • Emergency Management Victoria
    • the broader health sector.

Reviewed 09 February 2024

Health.vic

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