Row erupts over allegations SA Health boss Dr Chris McGowan called LHN CEOs his ‘bank teller girls’

SA’s top health bureaucrat says he categorically denies using “disrespectful, patronising or demeaning language” at a meeting with three CEOs.

A public row has erupted over allegations SA Health boss Dr Chris McGowan called three major health network CEOs his “bank teller girls”.

Dr McGowan “categorically” denied ever using “disrespectful, patronising or demeaning language” after Connie Bonaros, of the SA-BEST Party, aired the allegations in parliament on Wednesday afternoon.

During Question Time, Ms Bonaros asked Health Minister Stephen Wade if he was aware of Dr McGowan directing the phrase at Central Adelaide LHN CEO Lesley Dwyer, Southern Adelaide LHN CEO Susan O’Neill and Northern Adelaide LHN CEO Maree Geraghty during a recent meeting.

“I am advised that Dr McGowan … used the words: ‘my three bank teller girls, the ones who are always very keen to take your money’,” Ms Bonaros said.

SA Best MLC Connie Bonaros aired the allegations in parliament on Wednesday.

“I am told that those comments were made at a meeting he was hosting in front of three CEOs of his senior executive team I have mentioned, as well as other SA Health staff.

“I am further advised that there was no reported laughter, and even if it was intended as a joke it was reported to me as completely and utterly inappropriate.”

In response, Mr Wade dismissed the allegations as “hearsay”.

“I am advised that at a meeting of local health network chief executive officers, Dr McGowan used words to the effect of ‘It wasn’t a bank teller who invented the automatic teller machine’,” Mr Wade said.

“My understanding is that the chief executive was trying to make the point that people who are vested in business-as-usual tend not to see disruptive ways to improve outcomes.”

Mr Wade said “disruptive ways” were needed to improve health outcomes and “that’s what we expect of our leadership”.

Ms Bonaros continued to press Mr Wade, asking if he would seek clarification on whether Dr McGowan said the alleged comments.

SA Health boss Dr Chris McGowan categorically denied using “disrespectful, patronising or demeaning language”.

“I will certainly put that to Dr McGowan, but … I am much more inclined to take the word of my chief executive than hearsay,” Mr Wade said.

In a statement to The Advertiser, Dr McGowan said: “I categorically deny that I have used any disrespectful, patronising or demeaning language when talking with or about my colleagues, or at any other time”.

“The CEOs who run our Local Health Networks are all skilled and professional leaders who are exceptionally competent at managing their health services.

“SA Health promotes a safe and supportive working environment where a culture of respect is prioritised.”

During Question Time on Tuesday, Ms Bonaros initially alleged Dr McGowan referred to the CEOs as “tea ladies”, which she admitted was incorrect on Wednesday.

“That reference was wrong and indeed, as I have since found out, is much worse than I originally believed,” Ms Bonaros said.

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