Dr LIM - 2002-06-18
In response to a question from the member for Drysdale, the minister was full of rhetoric when she announced that she is now having a review and restructure of the department. Health department employees listening to this broadcast want to know whether or not they will still have their jobs - and their current jobs, especially - once the restructure is completed. Given that the CEO, Paul Bartholomew, was sacked by yourself earlier today, what does it mean for the rest of the staff?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, an interesting question from the member for Greatorex. First of all, I reiterate that there was an agreed mutual separation with Mr Bartholomew. He is a person held in respect by this side of the House and we would like that to be noted on the record.
Today I announced a review, not a restructure, of the department. These are quite different things. We are looking at a whole range of things. but one of the things we are not looking at is any kind of job cuts. We are looking at making sure that the department is in the best position to implement our reform agenda. This is not about job numbers in the department, this is about getting it right so that we can move forward in the best way for Territorians and their health and wellbeing.
I can be certain that the people of my department will be pleased that we are implementing this review. For some time, they have been wanting to have a review where they could have some say. In this review, there is an opportunity for every single member of staff to have input, and that will be starting from next week. This is not the kind of review that has happened in the past where people have suddenly lost jobs in hundreds. This is a different kind of thing. This is one where we want to genuinely consult and come up with a situation where we know that the health and wellbeing of Territorians is at the forefront of our minds, and where there will be improvements in Health and Community Services’ delivery over the next few years.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, an interesting question from the member for Greatorex. First of all, I reiterate that there was an agreed mutual separation with Mr Bartholomew. He is a person held in respect by this side of the House and we would like that to be noted on the record.
Today I announced a review, not a restructure, of the department. These are quite different things. We are looking at a whole range of things. but one of the things we are not looking at is any kind of job cuts. We are looking at making sure that the department is in the best position to implement our reform agenda. This is not about job numbers in the department, this is about getting it right so that we can move forward in the best way for Territorians and their health and wellbeing.
I can be certain that the people of my department will be pleased that we are implementing this review. For some time, they have been wanting to have a review where they could have some say. In this review, there is an opportunity for every single member of staff to have input, and that will be starting from next week. This is not the kind of review that has happened in the past where people have suddenly lost jobs in hundreds. This is a different kind of thing. This is one where we want to genuinely consult and come up with a situation where we know that the health and wellbeing of Territorians is at the forefront of our minds, and where there will be improvements in Health and Community Services’ delivery over the next few years.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016