But she’s also vowed to make headway on another issue dear to her heart – literacy rates, especially among the state’s Indigenous children and girls.

Dr Young is the fourth woman and the third doctor appointed by the Queen to represent the monarch in her namesake state.

She was handed the important constitutional, ceremonial and community role on the recommendation of the premier, who said Queenslanders already owed Dr Young a great debt for keeping them safe during the pandemic.

“Guiding us through this dark time has meant enormous pressure, sleepless nights, and a torrent of information which you processed calmly and clinically, with compassion and care,” Annastacia Palaszczuk told Dr Young during Monday’s swearing in ceremony at Parliament House.

“From a population of five million, only seven have lost their lives. This is a world-leading result. It caps a lifetime devoted to public health and 16 years as chief health officer.”

Palaszczuk said Dr Young had also been instrumental in driving down smoking rates, boosting childhood immunisation, and tackling obesity.

“We will never know the number of lives you have saved. It is telling that, in all the messages from thousands of well-wishers, they are tinged with the sadness of losing you as Chief Health Officer,” the premier said.

“That is how profound your impact has been. And it is the reason why this appointment is so fitting.”

Dr Young paid tribute to predecessor Paul de Jersey, a former chief justice of Queensland who became governor in 2014 and stayed in the job longer than expected so she could advance Queensland’s COVID-19 vaccination program.

She promised to travel widely throughout Queensland, “especially to our First Nations communities” and to promote literacy.

“Especially for Indigenous children, and for young girls, to encourage a healthy and active Queensland, and to visit every public hospital throughout my term,” she said.

“I’m just so in awe of all healthcare workers and emergency services personnel in our state. They are truly incredible people.”

Earlier in the day, Mr de Jersey and his wife Kaye were honoured with a farewell parade at Government House. He became emotional when speaking of the work they had achieved together, and of her abiding support.

“A very proud and grateful farewell to you all. God bless Queensland. God bless the people of Queensland,” he said.

Authorities are still seeking a replacement for Dr Young after her anointed successor as chief health officer, infectious diseases doctor Krispin Hajkowicz, on Friday said he could not take up the role for personal reasons.

Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr Peter Aitken is leading Queensland’s pandemic response until a permanent replacement is found.