Former Goldfields doctor, Clare Huppatz, announced as first woman to be appointed WA’s chief health officer

A former Goldfields doctor who led the response to the region’s 2016 meningococcal outbreak has been announced as first woman to be appointed WA’s chief health officer.

Dr Clare Huppatz has stepped up after serving as deputy CHO since 2021, taking over from former CHO Dr Andy Robertson, who retired last month after holding the position for seven years.

A senior public health physician, Dr Huppatz brings experience in communicable disease control, emergency preparedness, public health regulation, and preventative health.

Dr Huppatz has a longstanding involvement in community-led programs focused on improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and rural and remote communities across WA.

She spent six years with the WA Country Health Service’s Goldfields branch, during which she led the State’s Trachoma Program, as well as the response to the region’s 2016 meningococcal outbreak, where more than 3500 children were vaccinated.

In 2023, she was awarded a Public Service Medal for outstanding public service through management of public health responses during COVID-19.

Health Minister Meredith Hammat said she was pleased to welcome Dr Huppatz to the role, acknowledging the significance as the first woman appointed to the position.

“Dr Huppatz brings to this position a wealth of expertise in public health, general practice, epidemiology, health promotion, and leadership,” she said.

“She is already an asset to our State, protecting and promoting the health of Western Australians, and by stepping up to the role of chief health officer we know she’ll build on the outstanding work of her predecessor, Dr Andrew Robertson.

“Her particular interest in Aboriginal health and remote and regional communities, positions her well for this role in our vast and unique State.”