Rockhampton Health Inquiry Must Be Made Public: Miller

Media Release.

Shadow Health Minister Jo-Ann Miller says any inquiries into the alleged ill-treatment of a pregnant woman and her unborn child in Rockhampton must be fully independent and tabled in State Parliament.

Ms Miller said reports of a woman being turned away from Gladstone Hospital and Rockhampton Hospital were both tragic and shocking, and warranted an urgent investigation.

“As a mother, I am heartbroken for this young woman and her family,” Ms Miller said.

“Lawrence Springborg should stop sitting on his hands and immediately offer whatever government assistance this young lady needs."

“This Minister has a history of handballing responsibility for each and every matter to his hastily-established health boards – that’s part of the reason why he established them, to deflect responsibility."

“But in this case he must get out from behind his desk and act and ensure an independent inquiry is established."

“It’s a shame it took a TV media report for Mr Springborg to order an inquiry into this tragedy."

“Given Mr Springborg wiped his hands of this case when it was first brought to his attention, any inquiry must be independent of him and his department."

“The investigation should look closely at the handling of the case, but it should also look at how the staff cutbacks and windback of services in Gladstone and Rockhampton, inflicted by Mr Springborg, are affecting these hospitals."

“The outcomes of the inquiry should be made public to ensure there’s full transparency."

“Mr Springborg can’t keep pocketing his ministerial salary while not taking responsibility for health services in Queensland.”