Page 3119 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 22 August 2012
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We can look specifically at what the Auditor-General had to say in relation to the manipulation of hospital records:
There was no direct or indirect instruction by any other person, including the Minister for Health.
This is not me saying this; this is the Auditor-General—the person with powers virtually equivalent to those of a royal commissioner, who took evidence under oath, and who made a finding. And that finding was that I did none of the things that this opposition is wanting so desperately for people to believe.
But now the Liberals wish to have another go, another stab at trying to tarnish the public health system, my reputation and that of my family. A well-respected Australian once told me, “Leadership is easy when everything is going well; the true test of leadership comes when problems arise.” I believe that a minister is measured by their response to challenges, to opportunities and to crises.
I have no regrets on this score. In relation to the ED data issue, I acted as soon as the issue came to my attention. I have answered every question asked of me on every occasion. I have offered to appear before estimates, I have asked the Auditor-General to investigate and I have provided the community with all the information I could at every step of the process.
I publicly declared the potential for a conflict of interest and I stood aside from ministerial responsibility for the investigation. Yes, I did seek to protect the privacy of others, particularly my sister. I thought that was fair and decent.
The one thing I underestimated was the nastiness of the Canberra Liberals, and in particular Jeremy Hanson, and the levels he would sink to in his pursuit of me. I simply never believed that he would seek to slander in the most public of ways the reputation of a nurse with 24 years service. Well, congratulations to you, Mr Hanson—something you can be so very proud of.
My decision, had it been respected by others, to not identify my sister, was done for a good reason. Since you have identified her, Mr Hanson, and the location of where she works, she has had her privacy at work compromised. She has even received a phone call at the general ward desk from a person purporting to be a journalist, seeking to interview her. Her location at work is now known to everyone and anyone who wants to find her. So well done, Mr Hanson! We know that nothing gives you greater pleasure than to viciously pursue innocent parties for your own political purpose. So give yourself another pat on the back for that one. Meanwhile a busy, dedicated nurse continues to deal with the fallout of your actions.
I note the public accounts committee report’s recommendation regarding an apology to the officer responsible for the data changes, an apology that has already been provided. Strangely, I did not come across a similar recommendation requiring the Assembly to apologise for the unwarranted slurs made against my sister, also in the most public of ways. Today I call upon the Canberra Liberals to do the decent and right thing and provide that overdue public apology to her.
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