Professor Brett Sutton

2021 College Recipient, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Professor Brett Sutton has become a household name across Australia and a familiar voice on radio and television as he provides expert clinical and scientific advice and leadership on the coronavirus pandemic.

As the Victorian Chief Health Officer, he has worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to keep Victorians and the broader Australian public safe from the COVID-19 virus.

His passion for and dedication to public health started early in his career when he obtained a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery in Melbourne. Since then, he has gained extensive experience and clinical expertise in public health, communicable diseases and tropical medicine and his passion for these areas is exemplified through the roles he has played and the ongoing study he has completed. This includes completion of a Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine at James Cook University in 2008 and work in Kenya, Afghanistan and Timor-Leste.

Professor Sutton’s contribution to international and Australian health is significant. He has worked with international  emergency and field-based organisations including: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF); the International Rescue Committee in Kenya and Ethiopia; and John Snow International in Timor-Leste.

At a time of immense pressure, Professor Sutton supported Victoria through the COVID-19 pandemic in a calm and reassuring way while having to navigate a complex political environment. He is an inspirational leader in public health.

Professor Sutton graduated James Cook University in 2008 with a Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.