Victoria's Chief Health Officer to Retire

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Rosemary Lester, will retire from her position on 27 February 2015.
Dr Lester has spent 26 years in the Victorian Public Service, starting in the Infection Disease Unit. She went on to manage a number of areas including Immunisation, Prevention and Perinatal Health and Communicable Diseases.
Since being appointed Chief Health officer in  March 2012. Dr Lester has led Victoria’s response to a number of public health challenges, including the 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu outbreak.
She was presented with a Public Service Medal for outstanding public service in public health leadership last year.
AMA Victoria President, Dr Tony Bartone, describes Dr Lester as an exemplary public health leader in a challenging role.
"When commenting on her appointment in 2011, Dr Lester said: “The Chief Health Officer must balance the need of providing as much information as possible to the community in relation to significant health issues without becoming unnecessarily alarmist” – AMA Victoria congratulates Dr Lester on achieving this important balance."
The position of Victoria's Chief Health Officer has not yet been filled and the Department will soon embark on an advertising campaign.