Minutes to disclose debate over criminal history checks

Queensland Health will publish future minutes of its Criminal History Advisory Panel to inform Queenslanders about safeguards that protect the public when job applicants present with a criminal record.

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said Queensland Health had more than 80,000 employees.

“As thousands of Queenslanders have a criminal record, criminal checks are a routine part of our employment processes,” he said.

“Between January 2012 and April 2013, 197 applicants with previous criminal convictions began employment with Queensland Health. This is just 0.25 per cent of employees including departmental staff and employees of Hospital and Health Services,” Mr Springborg said.

Mr Springborg said criminal history checks were undertaken by the Queensland Police Service in accordance with the Public Service Act 2008 and included checks of the criminal record in New Zealand.

“Determination of a person’s suitability for employment with Queensland Health is made by our Criminal History Advisory Panel (CHAP),” he said.

“In the interests of transparency, I have instructed that its de-identified minutes be made available on the departmental website.”

Mr Springborg said CHAP membership included a departmental lawyer and a senior human resources practitioner.

“Generally one lawyer and two human resources practitioners participate in the review process,” he said.

“This process acknowledges rehabilitation as a key objective within our judicial system. Consistent decision-making protects the community interest and the regular release of CHAP minutes will promote better community understanding and confidence in the process.”

CHAP decisions were based on factors including:
a) legislative requirements
b) relevance of the offence to the person’s role with QH
c) the frequency of and time elapsed since any offences
d) whether an appointment with such a criminal history may conflict with Queensland Health’s values and the Public Service Code of Conduct, or erode public confidence

Mr Springborg said S181 of the Public Service Act 2008 required current employees to give notice if they were charged or convicted of an indictable offence.

Under S170, the Police Commissioner and the Director of Public Prosecutions would inform a department when a person charged or convicted with a relevant offence was a public service employee.

“Depending on the nature of the charge, the department’s response can range from no action to disciplinary action or termination of employment,” Mr Springborg said.

[ENDS] 27 June 2013

Media Contact: Cameron Thompson 0407 585 230