Transfer of functions from Queensland Health to Department of Communities

The Queensland Government has finalised details of functions being transferred from Queensland Health to the Department of Communities as part of changes made after the 2006 state election.

Minister for Communities Warren Pitt said the main change involved the transfer of several responsibilities relating to the Home and Community Care program.

“Responsibility for managing the policies, programs and funding of Home and Community Care will be moved to the Department of Communities,” Mr Pitt said.

“Services for the Home and Community Care program will continue to be delivered by Queensland Health staff and non-government service providers. However, this will now happen under purchaser–provider agreements with the Department of Communities.

“All current Home and Community Care staff employed by Queensland Health will remain with Queensland Health.

“The changes also involve transferring contract management responsibility for services provided by non-government organisations, including mental health services, from Queensland Health to the Department of Communities.”

Mr Pitt said the scope of programs and functions to be transferred was not as broad as first planned.

“The changes originally intended also included transferring some additional functions from Queensland Health — residential aged care and mental health policy, legislation and strategy.

“After analysing the options and consulting with staff, unions and community groups, the government has decided not to proceed with transferring these responsibilities.

“While there were some advantages in transferring the areas concerned, and support from some stakeholders, on balance the overall assessment indicated that responsibility should stay with Queensland Health.

“Considerable time and resources would have been involved in setting up administrative structures to support the transfer of these additional areas and to ensure transitioning staff were not disadvantaged.

“The government made its decision based on the best interests of patients, clients and the wider community, and the intention to focus efforts and resources on actions that deliver clear results for Queenslanders.

“It took into account the additional costs, the impacts on staff, the predominant alignment of these functions with health services and the views expressed in the consultation process."

Mr Pitt said the areas being transferred were closely aligned with the current policy directions and business focus of the Department of Communities and could be moved with minimal disruption and cost.

“The move will help to coordinate policies and programs and provide a more cohesive approach to service delivery.”

Media contact: Joe Begley 3235 4280