Former COVID-19 commander Jeroen Weimar confirmed as Victoria's transport boss

Former COVID and Commonwealth Games boss Jeroen Weimar has been appointed as the latest secretary of Victoria's Transport and Planning Department.

The high-profile government bureaucrat had been overseeing the implementation of the state's housing policy after accepting a six-month contract following the cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

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Premier Jacinta Allan today released a statement, writing that Weimar had "significant logistical and leadership experience in transport and planning".

"I look forward to the energy and enthusiasm he will bring to the task of leading teams that will deliver the ongoing transformation of the transport network and the government's agenda to build more homes," she said.

"Over the last ten years, Jeroen has held roles as Head of Transport Services at the Department of Transport, CEO of VicRoads, and CEO of Public Transport Victoria, where he worked to deliver a more reliable and accessible network for Victorians. He was previously Chief Operating Officer of Transport for London."

Weimar became known to many Victorians for heading the state's COVID-19 response during the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.

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Following the pandemic, he was appointed as the Commonwealth Games chief, shortly after Victoria won the bid.

However, the Games were subsequently cancelled in July 2023 by the state government.

Weimar was one of a number of staff members to secure a termination package, according to evidence before the Victorian parliamentary inquiry which had been probing the cancelled event.

He remained tight-lipped when approached by reporters outside the premier's department following the public scrutiny.

Weimar will begin his new role on January 27.

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