Jeannette Young

Australian medical doctor and Governor of Queensland

Jeannette Young in 2020

Jeannette Rosita Young (born 1963) is an Australian medical doctor and public health administrator who has served as the Governor of Queensland since 2021. Prior to her appointment as governor, she was the Chief Health Officer of Queensland from 2005 to 2021, where she played a significant role in managing the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Early life and education

Jeannette Young was born in Sydney, New South Wales, in 1963. She attended St Ives High School and later pursued a medical degree at the University of Sydney, graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in 1986. Young furthered her education with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Macquarie University.

Medical career

Young began her medical career as a resident medical officer at Westmead Hospital in Sydney. She later moved to Brisbane, Queensland, where she worked at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and the Mater Misericordiae Hospital. Her focus was on intensive care medicine and emergency medicine.

Chief Health Officer

In 2005, Young was appointed as the Chief Health Officer of Queensland. In this role, she was responsible for public health policy and management, including the response to health emergencies. Her tenure was marked by her leadership during the H1N1 influenza pandemic in 2009 and the COVID-19 pandemic starting in 2020. Young's strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic included strict border controls and quarantine measures, which were credited with keeping infection rates low in Queensland.

Governor of Queensland

Badge of the Governor of Queensland

In November 2021, Jeannette Young was sworn in as the 27th Governor of Queensland, succeeding Paul de Jersey. As governor, she represents the Monarch of Australia in Queensland and performs ceremonial duties, as well as acting as a patron for various organizations.

Honours and awards

Throughout her career, Young has received several honours for her contributions to public health and medicine.

Order of Australia

• In 2015, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant service to medicine and public health.

Public Service Medal

• She was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2013 for outstanding public service to Queensland Health.

Order of St John

• Young is also a Dame of the Order of St John.

Personal life

Jeannette Young is married to Professor Graeme Nimmo, a microbiologist, and they have two daughters. She is known for her commitment to public health and her advocacy for preventive health measures.

Related pages

• Governor of Queensland
• COVID-19 pandemic in Australia
• Order of Australia