Chief Nurse Officer

• Lead the nursing profession for one of Australia’s largest and most complex health systems
• Shape statewide nursing workforce strategy, innovation and models of care
• Influence health outcomes for every community across Queensland – from metropolitan to rural and remote
• Join a values‑driven executive team committed to delivering exceptional, equitable health care

THE OPPORTUNITY

Queensland Health is seeking an outstanding Chief Nurse Officer to serve as the foremost professional leader for nursing across the state. As the system manager for Queensland’s public health system, the Department of Health provides strategic direction, policy leadership, workforce regulation and statewide oversight of clinical excellence. The Chief Nurse Officer sits at the heart of this system, offering authoritative advice on nursing workforce capability, professional standards and contemporary models of care.

The Office of the Chief Nurse Officer plays a pivotal role in strengthening the people behind Queensland’s health system, with a strong focus on rural, remote and priority communities. The role leads major strategic initiatives that build workforce sustainability, drive innovation and support the delivery of best‑practice nursing across sixteen Hospital and Health Services. This is a position of rare influence and reach, shaping statewide policy, professional development, regulation and workforce reform for tens of thousands of nurses.

Located in Brisbane, the role is based in a city known for its climate, lifestyle, cultural vibrancy and proximity to world‑class beaches, hinterlands and natural environments. As one of Australia’s fastest‑growing capitals, Brisbane offers a competitive cost of living and a high quality of life. This environment, combined with the scale and impact of the role, makes it an attractive and career‑defining opportunity for an exceptional nursing leader.

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.

As the leader of the Office of the Chief Nurse Officer, you will oversee a team of specialists with seven direct reports and a total establishment of nineteen full‑time equivalent staff, including temporary project teams. You will contribute to the executive leadership of the Health Workforce Division and ensure the Office delivers its core functions efficiently, effectively and in alignment with strategic and statewide priorities.

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.

HOW TO APPLY

The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 25 March 2026.

For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:

Sarah Buckler, HardyGroup Principal Search Consultant
M. +61 (0)429 486 740
E. sbuckler@hardygroupintl.com

The reference number to include in your application is H26_5356.