Langbroek kicks own goal on payroll

Member for Surfers Paradise John-Paul Langbroek has kicked an own goal on the issue of payroll while trying to distract from the LNP’s woeful record on health.

Discussing recovery of overpayments on ABC Radio this morning, Mr Langbroek claimed:

“…only eight cases went to either civil action or debt collection because they were such significant amounts…”

Queensland Health has confirmed that under the former LNP Government in which Mr Langbroek served as a Cabinet Minister, more than 2600 former health staff were referred to external collection agencies in relation to the recovery of overpayments.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Cameron Dick said there has been no change to the July 2013 Overpayment HR Policy, which governs when and how Queensland Health collect overpayments. 

“The fact is the payroll system operating today is the same system that operated under Lawrence Springborg and the LNP,” he said.

“The fact is the same collection policies operate now as did under the former LNP government.

“If Mr Langbroek no longer supports the policy that was implemented when he was a Cabinet Minister he should admit this, and he should also reveal what new approach the LNP would take to the collection of these debts.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT:   Anika Hume 0439 253 815