Doctors and nurses join ICAC boss in call for SA Health probe
Nurses and doctors have joined the call for an inquiry into possible corruption within SA Health, saying Commissioner Bruce Lander should be given more funding.
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Medics are demanding a full inquiry into serious allegations of corruption in SA Health as Treasurer Rob Lucas rules out extra funding for an ICAC probe.
Anti-corruption chief Bruce Lander wants an investigation in the multibillion-dollar agency to reveal the extent of irregular and blatant misuse of taxpayers’ money.
But Mr Lander says a lack of funding and limited resources has meant ICAC is unable to scrutinise a significant number of serious complaints.
Australian Medical Association state president Dr Chris Moy said he had seen no evidence of corruption but there may be “potential conflicts of interest” that need investigating, while nurses union chief Elizabeth Dabars said a full inquiry was warranted.
“Adequate funding should be provided to the ICAC for this purpose,” Ms Dabars said.
Letters released by ICAC show Mr Lander asked Health Minister Stephen Wade for $2 million in August last year including eight extra staff to check into SA Health, noting 20 per cent of complaints related to the organisation.
This “evaluation” would have been completed shortly before 2020.
“A large number of complaints and reports relating to SA Health have resulted in investigations into potential corruption, misconduct or maladministration conducted either by this office, or by another agency on referral by this office,” Mr Lander’s letter states.
“Persistent themes have emerged in respect of the misuse of public money, the manner in which public resources are utilised and the manner in which staff responsibilities, including those of clinicians, are overseen.
“In my view SA Health, through its local health networks, are at serious risk of corruption, misconduct and maladministration.”
He described the risks associated with poor management and misuse of public resources within SA Health as significant.
Dr Moy cautioned against a morale-destroying “witch hunt” but said potential conflicts of interests may be in play such as clinicians’ links to pharmaceutical firms.
“I haven’t seen any clear evidence of corruption but we would welcome an inquiry,” he said.
Ms Dabars said the union was not aware of corrupt behaviour, but concerns around nepotism had been raised by staff in the past.
Mr Lucas said Mr Lander’s evaluation funding request was denied because “urgent corrective action” couldn’t be delayed until “some time in 2020”.