Springborg Failed To Initiate Independent Investigation Into Rocky Tragedy: Miller

 Media Release.

Jo-Ann Miller Shadow Minister for Health:

The head of the Health Quality and Complaints Commission today confirmed to a Parliamentary Committee that Health Minister Lawrence Springborg failed to direct the HQCC to investigate the tragic circumstances surrounding the Green family case at Rockhampton Hospital.

Ms Miller said it was only because of representations by herself and the Green family themselves that an investigation has been initiated.

“From the very beginning in this case, Mr Springborg has been behind the eight-ball and shown very little interest in getting to the bottom of this tragedy,” Ms Miller said.

“In Committee meetings today, HQCC Chief Executive Cheryl Herbert testified that the Health Minister had failed to direct her organisation to conduct an independent investigation."

“That’s despite the fact that the Act gives him specific powers to refer cases like this directly to the HQCC."

“It took a phone call to the HQCC from the Green family themselves to get an investigation started."

“Mr Springborg’s handling of this case has been appalling from the very beginning."

“How can Queenslanders have faith in their health system when the Minister has no interest in openness and transparency?”

Ms Miller also formally tabled a letter she had sent to Mr Springborg, calling on the Minister to table the outcomes of any inquiries into the matter in State Parliament.

“What happened at Rockhampton Hospital has rocked confidence in health services in the region, which needs to be restored as soon as possible."

“Only a fully open and transparent investigation will allow us to get to the bottom of what happened, in order to ensure it never happens again."

“When in Opposition, Mr Springborg used to bang on about Ministers taking responsibility all the time, yet when in Government he doesn’t have the guts to stand up when it counts."

“This is a Minister that’s more interested in palming off responsibility for health services than delivering better services for Queenslanders.”