The Queensland Government has announced Dr Tony O’Connell has been appointed as the state’s new Director-General of Queensland Health after a ‘rigorous’ selection and recruitment process.

 

Dr O’Connell will be responsible for implementing the government’s health reforms, including the creation of Local Health and Hospital networks.

 

Dr O’Connell, an intensive care specialist, has 35 years of frontline experience in hospitals as well as a deep understanding of health system reforms. He was responsible for the Elective Surgery Long Wait reduction strategy, which saw the state make significant reductions in wait times.

 

Dr O’Connell has acted in the role since the departure of the former Director-General, and will formally commence as Director-General immediately.