Statement from Assistant Health Minister

I wish to make a statement in relation to the State Government’s proposed contracts for senior doctors which are designed to ensure our doctors are properly paid for the patient outcomes they help achieve; are intended to provide greater job security; and recognise the commitment shared by clinicians, Hospital and Health Boards and the LNP government to patient safely and welfare in Queensland.

I understand that some media are reporting on a letter that I have signed. However it was not widely circulated to MPs, as I addressed the matter verbally to MPs.

The letter reflects concerns which had been brought to me and required resolution to achieve our objectives in terms of patient care and optimal operation of our health service - and those concerns were adequately addressed in the Party Room.

As an MP, medical specialist and former President of the AMAQ, I understand that the new contracts are geared to recruiting and retaining medical specialists.

Importantly the new contracts significantly increase job security because they: 

• Are perpetual and not time limited
• Allow doctors to receive six months’ salary, instead of the current three months if they are terminated
• Ensure doctors can no longer be transferred anywhere in the State without consultation, as is presently the case
• Provide unlimited damages for unfair dismissal through the Supreme Court instead of the current maximum six months’ salary through the QIRC
• Allow senior doctors to directly engage and negotiate with their actual employer - the local Hospital and Health Services [and Board], instead of a centralised Brisbane bureaucracy under the failed current system
• Importantly, any variation in the terms of the perpetual contracts are subject to clinician involvement through an advisory committee including the AMAQ President of the day.

I understand this issue was freely discussed at the LNP’s State Council meeting on Saturday with overwhelming support indicated for the government’s position. I also acknowledge that this issue was also placed before the LNP’s party room meeting yesterday with MP’s showing broad support.

The Minister has been able to satisfy all – including me – of his commitment to ensuring fair remuneration for our doctors and patient safety are not only addressed, but vastly improved under the new model.

I also acknowledge and support the Minister's position that while negotiations will not be re-opened, any issues regarding clarity and detail can be addressed through the normal negotiations that occur with the relevant Hospital and Health Services or the individual doctor when discussing the terms of their contract.

I acknowledge that the Minister has consistently undertaken to listen and take into account issues that were discussed at the 33 meetings, all attended by the AMAQ, and has consistently said that any emergent issues that develop as these perpetual contracts are rolled out would be addressed through the normal process of consultation.

[ENDS] 4 March 2014

Contact: Health Minister's Office - 3234 1191