Gavin Austin

Gavin Austin, the chief executive officer of the Tasmanian Health Organisation – North West has resigned as is his right.

In May this year, Mr Austin was named in a report of the Integrity Commission that was tabled in Parliament.

Since that report was released, Mr Austin has been suspended with pay from his position of Chief Executive Officer of the THO – NW, while an investigation into whether he breached the State Service Code of Conduct was undertaken.

In accordance with the terms of his Instrument of appointment, Mr Austin has been paid his entitlements for accrued leave ($16245.01), and in lieu of the contractual four week notice period ($20734.71) that he is due to provide me.

Mr Austin has not received any additional severance payment.

With Mr Austin’s resignation, the investigation into his conduct has necessarily come to an end.

However, the Government will still pursue any systemic changes that are required to improve recruitment and procurement practices that have been highlighted to date by the investigation and the Integrity Commission report.

On the advice of the Governing Council I have issued a direction that Ms Karen Linegar act as Chief Executive Officer of the THO – North West until June 30, 2015.
Will Hodgman, Premier