Michael Walsh has been announced as the director-general of Queensland Health. Pic: Darren England Source: News Limited
THE man at the helm of Queensland Health when the first failed payroll run went live has returned to lead the department.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced Michael Walsh, who was acting Health director-general (DG) when the bungled system was switched on in March 2010, has been appointed to replace former DG Ian Maynard.
According to Mr Walsh’s statement to the Chesterman Inquiry into the bungle, he was in charge when the problems first arose and was then appointed to try to fix the problem.
A spokesman for Health Minister Cameron Dick defended the decision to appoint Mr Walsh, saying he was not responsible for implementation of bungled system
“His role in the payroll episode was to fix it up,” he said.
Mr Walsh was charged with trying to stabilise the payroll system before quitting his post about nine months later.
Mr Walsh was acting DG of Queensland Health during the payroll bungle. Pic: Annette Dew Source: News Limited
Mr Walsh’s appointment is one of seven announced by Ms Palaszczuk this morning, with four more existing directors-general keeping their jobs following the Government’s merit-based appointment process.
Deputy Director-General of the Department of Justice and Attorney-General, David Mackie, will formerly fill the role vacated by former Justice DG John Sosso while Education DG Dr Jim Watterston will remain in his post as will Transport and Main Roads DG Neil Scales and Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services DG Michael Hogan.
Acting Commissioner Katarina Carroll has been appointed as the permanent head of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services while former Canberra bureaucrat Liza Carroll has been appointed to replace Housing and Public Works DG Neil Castles.
Not all positions have been announced.
Ms Palaszczuk said the merit-based process for other director-general positions was still under way.
“These most senior public servants deliver essential services to Queenslanders, so it’s crucial that we have the best and brightest leading our government agencies,” she said in a statement.
“I greatly value the leadership and expertise our directors-general bring to the public service. They support their Ministers to help run the state and are vital in keeping Queensland ticking over.”
The independent panel is being chaired by acting Public Service Commission CEO Robert Setter and includes NSW Planning Assessment Commission chair Lynelle Briggs and South Australian Coordinator-General Jim Hallion.