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Chief Nurse Officer
Brisbane
Queensland Health is seeking an outstanding Chief Nurse Officer to serve as the foremost professional leader for nursing across the state.
Job details
| Position status | Contract |
|---|---|
| Position type | Flexible full-time |
| Occupational group | Executive |
| Classification | HES3 |
| Workplace Location | Brisbane Inner City |
| Job ad reference | QLD/EA677011 |
| Closing date | 25-Mar-2026 |
| Job duration | Executive contract |
| Contact person | Sarah Buckler |
| Contact details | 0429 486 740 Access the National Relay Service |
The role
The Chief Nurse Officer is the Queensland Government's primary source of expert and authoritative advice on all matters relating to nursing. The role provides strategic leadership to the Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, the Director‑General, the Deputy Director-General Health Workforce Division, senior executives and Hospital and Health Services. It is responsible for advancing statewide nursing priorities, guiding the profession's evolution and ensuring that Queensland's nursing workforce remains contemporary, sustainable and aligned with service delivery needs.
In this role, you will lead major reforms that strengthen nursing capability and support innovation in models of care. You will monitor and evaluate the impact of nursing workforce strategies and use data, evidence and best practice to influence statewide policy and guide future investment. Success requires building strong, collaborative relationships across academic institutions, professional bodies, national agencies, industrial partners and leaders across the public, private and education sectors.
The candidate
The ideal candidate will be a highly credible and influential nursing leader with the capability to advise government on complex and sensitive issues and to shape nursing practice at a statewide level. You will have deep contemporary knowledge of nursing workforce challenges and opportunities, along with an ability to anticipate emerging trends and provide strategic guidance that reflects both national and international best practice.
You will bring a successful track record of leading significant change within a large, complex health system and the ability to engage and inspire a diverse nursing workforce. Strong analytical capability is essential, as is the ability to evaluate clinical evidence, interpret workforce intelligence and apply these insights to strengthen practice, policy and service delivery. You will be an adaptive, resilient and collaborative leader who navigates ambiguity with confidence and brings clarity and direction to complex situations.
Your interpersonal and relationship‑building skills will be central to your success. You will work closely with Hospital and Health Services, executive leaders, professional networks and external stakeholders to support and advance the nursing profession across Queensland. A commitment to the Queensland public service values of placing customers first, translating ideas into action, unleashing potential, being courageous and empowering people will be fundamental.
Candidates must prepare a response to the selection criteria of not more than two pages. They must include a resume and a cover letter outlining their value proposition and interest in the role.
About Health Workforce Division
The HWD supports all Queensland Health staff reach their full potential. Through our branches and deep relationships across the sector and beyond, we support the growth, retention, and sustainability of a skilled, diverse, and responsive workforce to meet Queensland's evolving healthcare needs.
Our branches work collaboratively to enable Hospital and Health Services provide optimum levels of care, with a strong focus on rural, remote, and priority communities. HWD also leads professional, regulatory and capability functions, to support Queensland Health service its community to the highest standards. By shaping practice, capability and supporting inclusive practices, we enable Queensland Health to meet the healthcare needs of our communities, now and into the future.
Benefits of working with the Department of Health:
By joining the Department of Health, you will work within a fast-paced, challenging and supportive environment where every employee plays a critical role in our ongoing success. You will enjoy a variety of benefits, including:
- Competitive salary + generous superannuation and leave loading
- Flexible working arrangements
- Diverse work culture
- Career training and development
To reflect the diversity within the communities and people we support and serve, we seek to hire a workforce that is both representative and diverse. With a focus on inclusion, accessibility and flexibility, we are committed to supporting you in your career with us.
Further information
We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.
Applications will remain current for a period of up to 12 months and may be considered for other vacancies which may include an alternative employment basis (temporary; full time or part time).
Documents
Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.
