Qld: Ombudsman asked to investigate Torres Strait nurse scandal

AAP General News (Australia)
04-07-2008
Qld: Ombudsman asked to investigate Torres Strait nurse scandal

BRISBANE, April 7 AAP - The Queensland opposition has asked the state ombudsman to
investigate the government's handling of the Torres Strait nursing scandal.

The move follows revelations a cabinet colleague of state Health Minister Stephen Robertson
will decide whether he or other Queensland Health staff will be charged over the affair.

The minister and his department have come under fire for ignoring damning security
reports into Torres Strait health facilities before a nurse was raped by an intruder at
Mabuiag Island in February.

Opposition health spokesman John-Paul Langbroek today said Queenslanders could not
have confidence in the outcome of the state government's "Yes Minister" investigation.

The opposition had requested the state's then-chief prosecutor Leanne Clare consider
charging health officials, including Mr Robertson, for breaching their duty of care under
the Workplace Health and Safety Act.

But Ms Clare referred the case to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.

The matter has since been handballed to Mr Robertson's colleague, Employment and Industrial
Relations Minister John Mickel.

Mr Langbroek said the government's probe was a case of "Caesar judging Caesar".

"Clearly it needs to be investigated by an independent authority," he said.

"Referring this case to the minister for employment and industrial relations is a classic
case of Caesar judging Caesar.

"There is a clear conflict of interest."

Mr Langbroek said he had now referred the matter to Queensland Ombudsman David Bevan.

The ombudsman investigates complaints about the decisions and actions of state and
local government agencies.

However, Mr Langbroek said Mr Bevan had told him he was awaiting the outcome of the
Crime and Misconduct Commission's (CMC) inquiry before considering whether further action
should be taken.

The CMC is determining why Mr Robertson was not told about reports into nurse safety
in the Torres Strait.

Mr Langbroek said he hoped either the CMC or Mr Bevan would investigate potential Workplace
Health and Safety breaches.

"The Bligh government cannot be trusted to make an honest, impartial decision," he said.

AAP rm/lc/af/de

KEYWORD: NURSES

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