Health Minister joins doctor talks in Townsville

Published Wednesday, 12 March, 2014 at 10:23 AM

Minister for Health
The Honourable Lawrence Springborg

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg has joined Director General Ian Maynard at a meeting with Queensland Health doctors in Townsville today.

The meeting with doctors was part of the consultation by Mr Maynard to help inform talks with the representatives of senior medical officers over the introduction of contracts.

Talks between the Director General and doctor’s representatives which began in Brisbane on Monday will resume tomorrow.

Mr Springborg said he joined today’s discussions to hear first-hand from local doctors about their reaction to the talks and progress towards a resolution of outstanding issues.

“These talks will help frame the future of Queensland Health,” Mr Springborg said.

“The Newman Government is determined to build Australia’s best free health care system after Queensland Health became a basket case under Labor.

“The implementation of a fair and accountable system to support the pay and conditions of senior doctors is essential in our pursuit of improved patient care.”

Mr Springborg said a key reason for the introduction of the new system was to respond to criticism of current arrangements by the state’s auditor general.

“Across the state our senior medical officers can be assured the Director-General and our industrial relations team is instructed to deliver contracts that are both accountable and fair,” he said.

“Importantly this is about building partnerships with our local hospitals and hospital boards and facilitating improved direct relationships between the boards and their local clinical staff.

“The talks in Brisbane are there to ensure concerns about potential adverse impacts are addressed to the lasting benefit of patients and our valued medical staff.”

Mr Springborg said doctors had until April 30 to consider their individual contracts.

“Local discussions such as the one today are an important part of the process,” he said

“I expect the Director-General to respond to this feedback when talks in Brisbane resume on Thursday.”

[ENDS] 12 March 2014

Media Contact: Cameron Thompson 0407 585 230