Outgoing director-general Ian Maynard sent Queensland Health staff a farewell email. Source: News Corp Australia
New Health Minister Cameron Dick said the email was a breach of guidelines. Source: News Corp Australia
HEALTH Minister Cameron Dick has demanded an explanation as to why an outgoing director-general sent out a “thank you” email to staff, accusing him of ignoring internal processes.
Ian Maynard, who has since left the position of Queensland Health director-general, sent an email to department staff on February 26 in which he also noted advancements achieved during the Newman government’s time in office.
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Mr Dick later demanded to know why the email had been sent without the usual procedures being followed.
“There are strict internal processes for the provision of broadcast emails to all Queensland Health staff,” a spokesman for the Health Minister said.
“In the case of this email they were ignored.
“The department was asked to explain why its own processes were not followed.”
Mr Maynard is one of a number of top bureaucrats who have left their roles, including Department of Premier and Cabinet director-general Jon Grayson.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has promised directors-general will be appointed through a merit-based process that will formally commence next Monday.
But she has also urged those who are not sure they can fully commit to implementing Labor’s election policies to “consider their position”.
Mr Maynard used his email to staff to praise their dedication and say farewell.
“Over the past 18 months, I have had the privilege of leading Queensland Health as your Director-General,” he wrote.
“Thank you for being the most committed employees in the Queensland Public Service. Your commitment to putting patients and the community first, has improved the performance of Queensland Health to a level that we should be proud of.
“Our patients now experience faster access to emergency departments and the shortest waiting times for elective surgery in the nation.
“I wish our new Minister, Acting Director-General, HHS Chairs and CEOs all the best in continuing to build on these strong foundations.”