Latest news with #KrispinHajkowicz
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
Spurned doctor seeks legal advice after Crisafulli government U-turn
Would-be chief health officer Dr Krispin Hajkowicz is considering his legal options after the Crisafulli government's U-turn on appointing him as Queensland's chief medico. 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 a 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. A government spokesperson said that decision in 2021 was the reason his appointment in 2025 had been vetoed. 'On October 5, 2021, Dr Hajkowicz was announced as the State's Chief Health Officer. He resigned from the role three weeks later,' the spokesperson said. Loading 'The government is not confident that the stability and longevity Queenslanders expect in this role has yet been met and the recruitment process is ongoing.' But there had been suggestions a Save Victoria Park sign displayed at his house, along with historical Greens corflutes at the address, had also played a role – suggestions the LNP government has denied. On Friday, deputy Labor opposition leader Cameron Dick – a former health minister – said the government was putting politics ahead of public health.
The Age
2 days ago
- Health
- The Age
Spurned doctor seeks legal advice after Crisafulli government U-turn
Would-be chief health officer Dr Krispin Hajkowicz is considering his legal options after the Crisafulli government's U-turn on appointing him as Queensland's chief medico. 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 a 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. A government spokesperson said that decision in 2021 was the reason his appointment in 2025 had been vetoed. 'On October 5, 2021, Dr Hajkowicz was announced as the State's Chief Health Officer. He resigned from the role three weeks later,' the spokesperson said. Loading 'The government is not confident that the stability and longevity Queenslanders expect in this role has yet been met and the recruitment process is ongoing.' But there had been suggestions a Save Victoria Park sign displayed at his house, along with historical Greens corflutes at the address, had also played a role – suggestions the LNP government has denied. On Friday, deputy Labor opposition leader Cameron Dick – a former health minister – said the government was putting politics ahead of public health.
ABC News
3 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
Queensland chief health officer appointment scrapped for second time
The Queensland government says it wasn't "confident" a doctor was suitable to be the state's chief health officer, despite him being offered the position a second time. Dr Krispin Hajkowicz was appointed to the job in 2021 but resigned shortly after, citing "personal reasons". Sources have confirmed to the ABC that he was recently offered the role again following a lengthy recruitment process. It's understood that a corporate head shot was arranged and a media release regarding the appointment was drafted by Queensland Health. The offer was then rescinded. A spokesperson for Queensland Health said a campaign to recruit for the role was undertaken, "however, no appointment was made". "A renewed campaign to recruit a permanent Chief Health Officer was launched on Friday 8 August." The international recruitment campaign advertises the role as earning up to $431,000 per annum. In a statement, a government spokesperson said the job "is a very forward-facing leadership role". "The government is not confident that the stability and longevity Queenslanders expect in this role has yet been met and the recruitment process is ongoing." Dr Hajkowicz declined to comment on questions from the ABC. Queensland has been without a permanent CHO since December, after Dr John Gerrard stepped down after three years. Dr Hajkowicz's wife, Dr Sarah Martin, made a submission to parliament over the Victoria Park Stadium and planning legislation, before his job offer. It related to laws that exempt 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure from major planning rules, to ensure projects aren't held up by potential legal challenges. In her submission, Dr Martin strongly opposed the legislation. "The Crisafulli government's plan to override the rights of the individual Queenslanders to make life easier for politicians and developers is right out of the Joh Bjelke-Petersen playbook. "Exempting this development from public scrutiny and removing the right of Queenslanders to protest via the courts is a very concerning proposition and makes the risk of corruption very likely." She went on to allege that the Bill proposed to remove "the right to protest this development in the courts" and was "out of the fascist playbook". The government said it was not aware of the submission during the recruitment process. Deputy opposition leader Cameron Dick said the government had "questions to answer" over the recruitment.. "I think this whole process stinks," he said. "This is so opaque, lacking in clarity, lacking in transparency, that every Queenslander should be deeply concerned about what the process was. "What has happened, and why has an eminently qualified medical specialist who ticked all the boxes been rubbed out by the LNP for a very important job, particularly as we go through one of the worst flu seasons in recent history?" Mr Dick said the opposition was considering further steps it could take regarding independent investigations into the matter.
