Premier doubles down on suggestion LNP figures viewed top doc pick unfit

The news

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has defended his government’s abandoning of the merit-selected appointment of a new chief health officer and has declared he was trying to respect the doctor’s privacy by not giving further detail.

But Crisafulli doubled-down on the veiled suggestion the decision to scrap the imminent ascension of Dr Krispin Hajkowicz was because he was deemed unfit by senior LNP government figures, despite a rigorous external recruitment process.

And, in his first public comments on the matter, Crisafulli continued to deny suggestions a Save Victoria Park sign displayed at his house, along with the historical display of a Greens election corflute known to some in the LNP, had also played a role.

Why it matters

Hajkowicz is seeking legal advice after his appointment as Dr John Gerrard’s permanent successor was abruptly scuttled by the government, despite his selection through the merit-based process run by recruitment agency HardyGroup.

It was not the first time Hajkowicz had been selected as CHO – the former Labor government appointed him to the role in 2021, but he decided not to take up the role just days from his official start date, citing personal reasons.

After two days of refusing to answer questions, or even acknowledge the decision, a government spokesperson late on Thursday said Hajkowicz’s 2021 withdrawal was the reason this appointment had been vetoed. By whom is still unclear.

What they said

Speaking in Townsville at his first media conference since news of the abandoned recruitment process broke, Crisafulli declined to answer a question about whether he had spoken to Hajkowicz personally.

“I respected his privacy then, and I’ll be doing it again,” Crisafulli said. Asked how he could know that the doctor was not right for the role, he doubled down on the government statement from Thursday.

“Well, because he had the job and walked away from it, and we are respecting his privacy from that time, and it is a very important and a forward facing role, and I think it’s fit and proper that he be given the privacy this time that we gave him last time,” Crisafulli said.

“And by the way, the only reason I’m commenting on this is because I’m being asked about it, and the Labor Party is commenting on it every day.”

Crisafulli again suggested he was protecting the privacy of Hajkowicz by refusing to outline why his government rejected the external recruitment process which selected him again this year.

Asked to rule out any political interference Crisafulli said: “I just want Queenslanders to know that we’ll obviously provide our advice and make sure that we can ensure that ... the process does deliver someone who is qualified medically, is able to deal with the rough and tumble that comes with a publicly facing role”.

“In terms of the doctor, I just make the observation that I do, you know, I certainly don’t wish him any [ill] will in putting his name forward,” he said, before rejecting that it had been a political decision.

Another perspective

Hajkowicz, a senior infectious diseases specialist employed at the state government-run Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, has declined to comment on the matter as he considers legal options.

Deputy Opposition Leader Cameron Dick has said the party was considering its options, including a potential referral to the state’s corruption watchdog.

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