Premier breaks silence on Krispin Hajkowicz’s CHO appointment

David Crisafulli has dodged questions about whether he, or his deputy Jarrod Bleijie, stepped in to block Dr Krispin Hajkowicz from being appointed to be Queensland’s top doctor.

Dr Krispin Hajkowicz. Picture: Dan Peled

Premier David Crisafulli has spoken for the first time on the controversy surrounding the appointment of a new Chief Health Officer.

But he dodged questions about whether he, or his deputy Jarrod Bleijie, had stepped in to block Dr Krispin Hajkowicz from being appointed.

Mr Crisafulli also did not reveal whether he had spoken to the doctor but said he chose not to politicise the matter four years ago when he was Opposition Leader.

“The doctor had the job (four years ago) and then walked away from it,’’ he said.

“We believe in a forward-facing role. It is important there is stability in that role.

“It’s important there’s a stability there, that there’s a longevity there.

“I didn’t make comment four years ago when the decision was taken for (sic) him not to accept that role.

“I respected his privacy then and I want to respect it now.

“I’m not the one talking about it, I’m only commenting on this because I’m being asked about it and the Labor Party is commenting on it every day.’’

Premier David Crisafulli has broken his silence on CHO controversy. Picture: Tara Croser.

Dr Hajkowicz is understood to be seeking legal advice about the intervention of senior ministers to withdraw an offer for him become chief health officer.

Dr Hajkowicz – who declined to comment when approached by The Courier-Mail – is thought to be considering legal options after ministers in July overruled an independent selection panel than recommended he be appointed chief health officer.

The significant development comes as the government faces claims of hypocrisy for using Dr Hajkowicz’s decision four years ago to resign as incoming chief health officer as justification to withdraw the job offer in July.

A spokeswoman for Premier David Crisafulli on Thursday said the government was not satisfied Dr Hajkowicz would bring stability to the “forward-facing leadership role” because he withdrew from the job in 2021 due to personal reasons.

AMA Queensland President Nick Yim said the state’s top doctor should be a non-political appointment.

“The role of the chief health officer is essential and it’s important that appointments are made with transparency and in the best interests of Queenslanders’ health,” he said.

“The CHO must remain a trusted, nonpartisan voice, providing clear, consistent public health guidance so the community can stay informed and safe.”

Deputy Opposition Leader Cameron Dick. Photo: Steve Pohlner

Deputy Opposition Leader Cameron Dick argued the reasoning was a “nonsense excuse” and argued the government was attempting to cover up the appointment.

“We know the Deputy Premier (Jarrod Bleijie) is absolutely involved in this,” Mr Dick said.

“I don’t think it’s about public health. I think it’s about politics.”

Mr Bleijie’s office did not answer questions about whether he intervened to scuttle Dr Hajkowicz’s appointment.

Mr Dick noted Mr Janetzki, now treasurer and energy minister, stepped down as the LNP’s deputy opposition leader in February 2022 due to personal reasons.

“That was the right thing to do for him and a few years later, when he was in a position to do so, David Janetzki returned to a very forward-facing role as Queensland’s treasurer and energy minister.

“What I don’t think passes the pub test is why an eminently qualified specialist does not have the same rules applied to him.”

Dr Hajkowicz was first appointed CHO by Annastacia Palaszczuk in October 2021 to replace Jeannette Young.

Dr Young at the time revealed she had relief on Dr Hajkowicz’s advice during the outbreak and response to the Covid-19 pandemic.