The Liberal Government has acted appropriately and responsibly on the Integrity Commission’s report into misconduct within Tasmania’s public health system.

Today I updated Parliament on this Government’s progress on several recommendations that were detailed in the report, tabled last month.

This Government takes any report of misconduct within its agencies very seriously, which is why we have acted swiftly to implement the recommendations including:

• The State Service Management Office is reviewing recruitment practices to avoid any issues around conflicts of interest in the recruitment and selection of staff;

• Remuneration offered to State Service employees in regional areas will now be considered by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Industrial Relations Committee;

• The Government is considering and reviewing the governance arrangements of Tasmanian Health Organisations; and

• Induction training will be extended to Heads of Agency through the current development of the State Executive Services Leadership Capability framework.

I also updated the house on the status of two individuals, Mr Gavin Austin and Ms Jane Holden, who were named in the report.

An independent investigator has been appointed to conduct a State Service Code of Conduct investigation into Mr Austin, while Ms Holden’s employment has been terminated for reasons not related to the Integrity Commission report.

Preliminary advice also suggests it may be necessary for the actions of up to three employees, mentioned in the report, to be referred to Heads of Agencies, who will then consider whether a State Service Code of Conduct investigation is required.

I expect to receive final advice from the State Service Management Office soon.

The Integrity Commission report highlighted the wasteful neglect and damaging abuse Tasmania’s health care system suffered under the Labor Green Government.

This Government is committed to improving the governance, leadership and accountability of the system as a whole and delivering better health outcomes for Tasmanians.

* For a table detailing the recommendations and responses:

http://www.premier.tas.gov.au/documents/table.pdf
Will Hodgman, Premier