Premier doubles down on suggestion LNP figures viewed top doc pick unfit
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has defended his government's abandoning of the merit-selected appointment of a new chief health officer and has declared he was trying to respect the doctor's privacy by not giving further detail.
But Crisafulli doubled-down on the veiled suggestion the decision to scrap the imminent ascension of Dr Krispin Hajkowicz was because he was deemed unfit by senior LNP government figures, despite a rigorous external recruitment process.
And, in his first public comments on the matter, Crisafulli continued to deny suggestions a Save Victoria Park sign displayed at his house, along with the historical display of a Greens election corflute known to some in the LNP, had also played a role.
Why it matters
Hajkowicz is seeking legal advice after his appointment as Dr John Gerrard's permanent successor was abruptly scuttled by the government, despite his selection through the merit-based process run by recruitment agency HardyGroup.
It was not the first time Hajkowicz had been selected as CHO – the former Labor government appointed him to the role in 2021, but he decided not to take up the role just days from his official start date, citing personal reasons.
After two days of refusing to answer questions, or even acknowledge the decision, a government spokesperson late on Thursday said Hajkowicz's 2021 withdrawal was the reason this appointment had been vetoed. By whom is still unclear.
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