Health Workforce

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (14:38): My question is to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing. Under the minister's health governance reforms, will the powers for employment of staff sit centrally or sit with the local hospital network boards themselves?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:38): This is an industrial relations matter. In consultation with the Treasurer, it has been determined that the employing authority will continue to be the chief executive officer of the Department for Health and Wellbeing, with delegations—delegations that will support the maximum autonomy of boards to run their hospitals. But it is very important that we both balance the autonomy of the local health networks and the responsibility of the government to maintain an orderly industrial relations and employment policy framework.