Preliminary KPMG report released

Premier Anna Bligh and Deputy Premier and Health Minister Paul Lucas today released a preliminary report by KPMG into the Queensland Health payroll issues.

KPMG was engaged to review the Queensland Health payroll system and its implementation.

Ms Bligh said all recommendations made by KPMG in the preliminary report had been adopted and implemented by Queensland Health.

“This preliminary report looks only at the immediate issues of Queensland Health’s readiness for payrolls 3 and 4.

“Queensland Health is making good progress which this preliminary report shows, but there is still more work to be done,” she said.

“The report found Queensland Health acted quickly on KPMG’s recommendations to improve the payroll system, and effective work structures are in place for the improvements to continue.

“It also recognised Queensland Health’s development of a safety net for staff affected by the payroll issues.

“This includes a dedicated payroll hotline - 3636 0737, immediate cash or cheque payments and payroll kiosks at hospitals across the state.

Mr Lucas said the report also found that Queensland Health had been in regular and constructive engagement with unions representing Queensland Health staff.

“Michael Walsh’s appointment to oversee the payroll issues was also acknowledged and commended by KPMG in the report," he said.

“KPMG will now work towards delivering a more forensic examination of the payroll system development and its implementation.

“If that report indicates that there needs to be action taken against any individual or company I won’t hesitate to take that action," Ms bligh said.

“That report will also be made public."

The Auditor General is also reviewing the payroll implementation issues.