Crime and Corruption Commission reviewing documents over Krispin Hajkowicz’s failed appointment
The Crime and Corruption Commission is reviewing documents relating to the failed appointment of the would be chief health officer.
The Crime and Corruption Commission is reviewing documents held by Queensland Health about the failed appointment of Krispin Hajkowicz as chief health officer.
Documents sought by The Courier-Mail under Right to Information have been captured by the CCC’s investigation and are now unlikely to be released until it is finalised.
The CCC’s investigation was sparked by exclusive reporting by The Courier-Mail, which revealed Dr Hajkowicz had been offered the chief health officer job before it was withdrawn following the intervention of government ministers.
It is understood Queensland Health staffers were preparing to announce Dr Hajkowicz as the state’s new health officer and had discussed the media strategy.
The Courier-Mail had sought access to documents, including a media release prepared by Queensland Health, to announce Dr Hajkowicz’s appointment.
It is understood Health Minister Tim Nicholls had provided comments for the media release endorsing the appointment.
However, Queensland Health said documents related to the recruitment of Dr Hajkowicz as chief health officer were now under consideration by the Crime and Corruption Commission.
“The preliminary view of the CCC is that the categories of records within the scope of all the applications appear to be relevant to their ongoing consideration of complaints concerning the recruitment of the CHO,” a Right to Information officer wrote.
“It is likely that information relevant to this matter would be considered exempt under the CCC exemption.”
The appointment of a CHO is determined by Queensland Health Director-General David Rosengren, who has declined to comment due to privacy reasons.
Mr Nicholls questioned Dr Hajkowicz’s ability to be in front of the cameras, potentially making significant decisions.
The Courier-Mail in August revealed senior ministers’ concerns Dr Hajkowicz would wilt under the pressure of the job contradicted the findings of an independent recruitment panel.
Confidential findings from a recruitment panel revealed Dr Hajkowicz was identified as the preferred candidate and deemed to be a positive, strategic and forward-looking appointment, according to one person familiar with the recruitment process.
The independent panel also labelled him highly intelligent, dynamic and driven, with the enthusiasm and energy required to drive significant change in population health outcomes.
Despite Dr Hajkowicz being chosen as the best person to replace John Gerrard as CHO, his job offer was withdrawn without explanation by Queensland Health.
Interviews, testing and reference checks by the external panel determined Dr Hajkowicz – who could not be reached by The Courier-Mail for comment – had a significant passion and commitment to public health, and an ability to work within challenging systems and effect real change.
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