Cape York, Torres Strait leaders want independent Qld Health review

Cape York and Torres Strait leaders have called for a review into the “dire” health services in the region to be done independently.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli

A review into a hospital service in the state’s far north needs to be done at arm’s length from Queensland Health, according to First Nations leaders in the Torres Strait.

It comes weeks after leaders from the region, including Torres Strait Regional Authority chair Napau Pedro Stephen and Torres Shire Council Mayor Yen Loban, wrote to the state government warning of the “dire state” of the community’s health.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman confirmed in early June Queensland Health would undertake a review of health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service area, with the health ombudsman to be notified.

But leaders have since called for the review to be done independently, fearing a full and frank inquiry won’t be achieved should Queensland Health investigate itself.

Ms Fentiman has committed to travelling to Thursday Island, the administrative centre of the Torres Strait, to meet with leaders and hear their concerns.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli, on Thursday Island on Monday, said Queenslanders deserved a world-class health system no matter where they lived, and Torres Strait community leaders said they were not receiving the health services they needed and deserved.

He called for the review to be conducted independently as requested, and for the information to be publicly released.

The long-time chief executive of the Torres and Cape HHS Beverley Hamerton last week resigned from her role with immediate effect.