Dr Arthur John Metcalfe CBE (26 June 1895 – 24 March 1971) was a senior Australian public servant, best known for his time as Director-General of the Department of Health.
Dr Arthur Metcalfe | |
|---|---|
| Director-General of the Department of Health | |
| In office 20 October 1947 – 1 September 1960 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Arthur John Metcalfe 26 June 1895 Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia |
| Died | 24 March 1971 (aged 75) Harbord, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Nationality |  Australian |
| Alma mater | University of Sydney |
| Occupation | Public servant |
Life and career
editMetcalfe was born in Newcastle on 26 June 1895 to English-born parents.[1]
In October 1947, Metcalfe was appointed Commonwealth Director-General of Health,[2] having been Acting-Director-General for more than a year prior after the illness and death of former Director-General Frank McCallum.[3] He led the Department implementing the National Health Act 1953, which consolidated the hospital, pharmaceutical and medical benefits schemes operated by the Australian Government.[1]
He retired from the position in 1960.[4] In 1961 he took on an appointment as consultant to Lederie Laboratories Products.[5]
Metcalfe died on 24 March 1971 in Sydney, aged 76.[6]
Awards
editIn 1947, Metcalfe was awarded a Rockefeller Foundation scholarship and spent four months studying national health schemes in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Europe.[5]
Metcalfe was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1954 for services as Director-General of health and quarantine.[7]
References
edit- ^ a b Refshauge, W.D, "Metcalfe, Arthur John (1895–1971)", Australian Dictionary of Biography, Australian National University, archived from the original on 3 April 2015
- ^ CA 17: Department of Health, Central Office, National Archives of Australia, archived from the original on 12 March 2020, retrieved 3 April 2015
- ^ "Director-General of Health. Dr. Metcalfe appointed". The West Australian. 21 October 1947. p. 7.
- ^ "Dr. Metcalfe retires to-day from top health position". The Canberra Times. 1 September 1960. p. 3.
- ^ a b "New post for Dr. Metcalfe". The Canberra Times. 1 April 1961. p. 2.
- ^ "Medical man dies, 76". The Canberra Times. 27 March 1971. p. 7.
- ^ "Search Australian Honours: METCALFE, Arthur John, The Order of the British Empire - Commander (Civil)", itsanhonour.gov.au, Australian Government, archived from the original on 3 April 2015