The Queensland government says it wasn’t “confident” a doctor was suitable to be the state’s chief health officer, despite him being offered the position a second time.
Dr Krispin Hajkowicz was appointed to the job in 2021 but resigned shortly after, citing “personal reasons”.
Sources have confirmed to the ABC that he was recently offered the role again following a lengthy recruitment process.
Man chosen as next CHO declines the job
It’s understood that a corporate head shot was arranged and a media release regarding the appointment was drafted by Queensland Health.
The offer was then rescinded. A spokesperson for Queensland Health said a campaign to recruit for the role was undertaken, “however, no appointment was made”.
“A renewed campaign to recruit a permanent Chief Health Officer was launched on Friday 8 August.”
The international recruitment campaign advertises the role as earning up to $431,000 per annum.
Dr Krispin Hajkowicz was appointed as the state’s CHO in 2021, but withdrew days before beginning the role. (ABC News: Dea Clark)
In a statement, a government spokesperson said the job “is a very forward-facing leadership role”.
“The government is not confident that the stability and longevity Queenslanders expect in this role has yet been met and the recruitment process is ongoing.”
Dr Hajkowicz declined to comment on questions from the ABC.
Queensland Chief Health Officer John Gerrard to step down
Queensland has been without a permanent CHO since December, after Dr John Gerrard stepped down after three years.
Submission over Victoria Park stadium
Dr Hajkowicz’s wife, Dr Sarah Martin, made a submission to parliament over the Victoria Park Stadium and planning legislation, before his job offer.
It related to laws that exempt 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure from major planning rules, to ensure projects aren’t held up by potential legal challenges.
In her submission, Dr Martin strongly opposed the legislation.
Queensland passes legislation for Olympic Games venues
“The Crisafulli government’s plan to override the rights of the individual Queenslanders to make life easier for politicians and developers is right out of the Joh Bjelke-Petersen playbook.
“Exempting this development from public scrutiny and removing the right of Queenslanders to protest via the courts is a very concerning proposition and makes the risk of corruption very likely.”
She went on to allege that the Bill proposed to remove “the right to protest this development in the courts” and was “out of the fascist playbook”.
The government said it was not aware of the submission during the recruitment process.
Opposition considering investigation
Deputy opposition leader Cameron Dick said the government had “questions to answer” over the recruitment..
“I think this whole process stinks,” he said.
Mr Dick says there isn’t enough transparency in the selection process. (AAP: Jono Searle)
“This is so opaque, lacking in clarity, lacking in transparency, that every Queenslander should be deeply concerned about what the process was.
“What has happened, and why has an eminently qualified medical specialist who ticked all the boxes been rubbed out by the LNP for a very important job, particularly as we go through one of the worst flu seasons in recent history?”
Mr Dick said the opposition was considering further steps it could take regarding independent investigations into the matter.
