We are pleased to announce the appointment of Leon Baranowski (MSc, MEd, CHE, SFHEA MACPara) as Victoria’s new Chief Paramedic Officer, commencing 23 March 2026.
Leon is an experienced paramedic whose career spans the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. He brings a breadth of international expertise across clinical practice, leadership, academia, and research, along with a strong commitment to improving patient experiences, outcomes, and models of care.
In this role, Leon will provide high‑quality strategic advice to the Department of Health, Safer Care Victoria, and the broader health system on matters relating to paramedic practice, workforce capability, emerging risks, and opportunities for improvement. He will work closely with our Clinical Chiefs and Ambulance Victoria, serving as a vital conduit between the Department of Health and the paramedicine profession.
Reflecting on his career, Leon noted that his journey in paramedicine began in the United Kingdom and evolved through a wide range of clinical, leadership, and education roles across multiple countries. His experience includes significant work in advanced practice, workforce development, and integrating paramedics into wider health systems. Alongside his clinical roles, Leon has contributed to paramedicine education as a Senior Lecturer at Monash University, supporting the ongoing development of the Paramedic Practitioner program.
Leon highlighted that international collaboration has been a defining feature of his career, influencing his approach to leadership, partnership, and system design.
“A guiding principle that has stayed with me throughout my career is that meaningful progress in healthcare rarely happens in isolation. It is built through collaboration, curiosity, and a willingness to learn from others.”
Looking ahead, Leon is energised by the opportunity to work collaboratively across Victoria’s health sector.
“Paramedicine sits at a really interesting intersection of healthcare, linking community, primary care, acute care, and emergency health services. There is enormous potential to continue evolving how paramedics contribute to patient care, increase workforce capability, and create system innovation.”
We warmly welcome Leon to the role and look forward to working with him as he helps shape the future of paramedicine within the Victorian health system.
Safer Care Victoria extends its sincere thanks to Louise Reynolds, who has served with distinction as Victoria’s Chief Paramedic Officer.
During her tenure, Louise has championed significant and impactful work. This includes serving as Executive Sponsor of the Australian first Inquiry into Women’s Pain, which delivered a landmark report containing 27 recommendations to improve care and support for women experiencing pain.
Louise has also played a pivotal role in progressing the Paramedic Practitioner program, an important Victorian Government commitment. Under her leadership, the first cohort has now graduated and is preparing to commence supervised practice this year, an achievement that will have lasting benefits for the Victorian health system.
We thank Louise for her leadership, dedication, and contribution to strengthening paramedic practice and capability across Victoria.