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 Harbord, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia | (aged 75)
Nationality | Australian |
Alma mater | University of Sydney |
Occupation | Public servant |
Metcalfe 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]
In 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]