29 August 2023
Today the Commission’s report Integrity Trade-off was tabled in Parliament. The report provides an update on issues identified in the former Commissioner’s report Troubling Ambiguity: Governance in SA Health, tabled in December 2019.
In that report the Honourable Bruce Lander KC, made observations about poor governance arrangements in SA Health which gave rise to potential corruption, misconduct and maladministration. Two areas of focus were the attendance of clinicians, and rights of private. The Commission continues to receive matters for investigation relating to these areas, and those investigations continue to be thwarted by the deficiencies identified by Mr Lander.
Commissioner Vanstone said, ‘There is a real risk that corruption and misconduct continues to occur within SA Health, but, as before, cannot be detected or addressed.’
Efforts to address concerns highlighted in Troubling Ambiguity have stalled. Of these delays, Commissioner Vanstone said, ‘We continue to be frustrated by poor systems and the apparent lack of will to change them.’
Improving governance in health services is essential for enhancing care and public wellbeing in South Australia. Achieving this requires significant policy, practice, and cultural changes.
The Commission recommends that SA Health implement a timesheet policy, a policy governing the rights of private practice, and a strategy to address deficiencies in the industrial arrangements.
Commissioner Vanstone remains hopeful that the Government and new Chief Executive will take action to address the vulnerabilities outlined in a timely manner.
