Australian Craniofacial Unit

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:19): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. S.G. WADE: The statement relates to the Australian Craniofacial Unit. Following a meeting with Professor David David on 9 July, I obtained a briefing on issues raised and a review of the selection process in the Australian Craniofacial Unit. Both the briefing and review raised further questions for me, and I have indicated that I will be seeking further information. In that context, yesterday morning I made contact with the South Australian Salaried Medical Officers Association to inquire as to whether they had any concerns with the selection process.

In response to that contact from me, the association sent me an email yesterday afternoon, which I received late morning today. The email raises serious concerns about the culture and operation of the Australian Craniofacial Unit, recruitment processes and the impact on patients. I have discussed the matter with the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment, who has undertaken to meet with SASMOA and initiate whatever action is necessary. As is appropriate, I have also referred the matter to the Office for Public Integrity. In that context, I do not intend to make any further statement.