McGowan, Dr C.

Mr PICTON (Kaurna) (14:38): My question is to the Premier. Will the South Australian Health CE, Dr Chris McGowan, have to declare a conflict and excuse himself from the cross-agency task force in relation to matters of procurement and conflict of interest since he is under independent investigation in relation to his conduct in relation to procurement and conflict of interest?

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (14:38): I appreciate and thank the member for his question. With regard to the task force, there are many things that will need to be canvassed as part of that investigation and reported back to us by the end of the year. It is true, procurement is one of those issues that sits alongside many other issues: issues to do with the culture of the organisation, ways that salaried specialists provide their services and different research issues that were raised. All those will be raised and considered by the interagency task force that has been created.

I do refer the member back to my previous answers to this house regarding Dr McGowan's self-referral to the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment regarding the matters that have been raised. My understanding is that the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment has, of course, considered that and appointed an investigator to look at that. My understanding is that that response should be received soon.