Walt Secord questions Mark Humphries appointment as chair of NNSWLHD
The local MP has hit back at claims the new chair of the health district board was appointed as a favour, after photos were leaked of him handing out National Party flyers.
Tweed Heads
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Questions have been raised over the appointment of a real estate agent as the chair of the Northern NSW Local Health district.
But Tweed MP Geoff Provest said this was just “sick politics.”
Last week Mark Humphries replaced Dr Brian Pezzutti, a former state parliamentarian and a doctor – to become chair of the powerful local health district board.
NSW Labor also released a 2019 photograph showing Mr Humphries handing out National Party how-to-vote materials for Mr Provest.
Shadow Minister for the North Coast, Walt Secord, said while Mr Humphries was a past president of the Kingscliff Chamber of Commerce and was heavily involved in Surf Life Saving Clubs in the area, he wanted to know the rationale behind the appointment of a real estate agent to one of the most important health administrative positions in the State.
“There are serious questions to answer here,” Mr Secord said.
“The Minister must detail the reasons behind the appointment. I hope that this isn’t the old National Party mates’ network in action.”
Mr Provest said the “attacks” on Mr Humphries’ appointment were “sick politics”.
“I, along with the Tweed community, am delighted that the Health district, which goes all the way down past Grafton, is to be led by someone from the Tweed for the first time,” Mr Provest said.
“Mr Humphries is a respected and well liked Tweed business operator, Tweed volunteer and a Tweed community leader and we are fortunate he has accepted this appointment.
“Why should someone with a wealth of knowledge and understanding of what is needed in our area be discouraged from serving the community just because he has handed out in support of the elected Member of Parliament?
“Labor political games with health in the midst of the pandemic are shameful.”
Mr Secord acknowledged that senior people had been appointed to various health boards from non-medical backgrounds but they had significant experience in public administration. They also did not serve as chairs.
Dr Pezzutti served in the position since 2013 and had been a member of the Northern NSW Local Health District Board since 2011.
Last week the health district’s acting chief executive, Lynne Weir, welcomed Mr Humphries’ appointment as chair.
“I am delighted that Mr Humphries will be leading our Board as Chair, after having served as Deputy Chair for the past two years,” Ms Weir said.
Mr Humphries has been a member of the board since 2012 and in 2019 was appointed Deputy Chair.
“I have no doubt that Mr Humphries’ skills and experience will enhance his role as Board Chair,” Ms Weir said.
“As the incoming Chair, Mr Humphries has the passion and experience to successfully lead the Board’s oversight of health services for our local communities now and into the future.”
Mr Humphries said the Board is focussed on a commitment to the CORE values of Collaboration, Openness, Respect and Empowerment across the health system.
“These core values are the keys to delivering quality health services to the people of Northern NSW,” Mr Humphries said.
“My vision is for our Board to be united and work strategically with the management, staff and clinicians to ensure quality health outcomes for people in the region.
“We also look forward to the delivery of the Tweed Valley Hospital in 2022-23.”
Ms Weir paid tribute to outgoing Board Chair, Dr Pezzutti.
“Dr Pezzutti has served as our Board Chair since 2013, and has been an incredibly strong advocate for health services in our region,” Ms Weir said.
“During his tenure the District has seen significant upgrades to many of our health facilities, renewed our focus on delivering patient-centred care, and secured new services that will benefit our regional and rural communities for many years to come.”
“On behalf of the District, I want to thank Dr Pezzutti for his leadership during this time.”
Dr Pezzutti reflected on his long tenure with the District over many years.
“It’s been a wonderful experience to lead such a talented and caring team. I wish all the people in Northern NSW Local Health District all the best for the future,” Dr Pezzutti said.
Mr Humphries will serve until December 2022.
The local health district is one of the most important regional boards - providing health care to more than 300,000 people through 12 hospitals and multi-purposes services, 21 community health centres and other facilities.
It extends from Tweed Heads in the north to Tabulam and Urbenville in the west and to Nymboida and Grafton – an area of 20,732 square kilometres.
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