Health Department has lost a two-year battle to keep secret documents detailing the employment and sacking of a major regional hospital boss (Aus)
August 14, 2008 12:30am
THE Health Department has lost a two-year battle to keep secret documents detailing the employment and sacking of a major regional hospital boss.
The State Ombudsman, after a complex and lengthy appeal process brought by the Opposition, found the public had a right to know about the employment and termination of Ken McNeil, former chief executive of Mt Gambier Hospital.Liberal Deputy Leader Vickie Chapman made a Freedom of Information request to the Health Department for access to documents almost two years ago.
She said her original application for Mr McNeil's contract of employment was rejected on the grounds that "the document contains information relating to personal affairs".
"The contract of a chief executive of a public hospital is a public document," Ms Chapman said yesterday. "If you're paid by the people and provide a service to the people then they should know what you're doing at work."
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Ms Chapman said it was "extremely concerning" that the FoI officer who made the original determination to keep the documents secret also played a key role in Mr McNeil's appointment.
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"We still need an explanation as to why the Government tried to conceal this matter and why an employee who was involved with Mr McNeil's appointment was allowed to assess the FoI application."
full article: http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,24176578-2682,00.html
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