Health boss Gavin Austin rejects findings in damning Integrity Commission report (ABC)

View Comments ABC Mr Austin did not respond to a Government deadline to show reason why he should not be suspended.

One of the Tasmanian health bureaucrats named in an Integrity Commission report as engaging in misconduct has disputed the allegations.

A damning report tabled in Parliament yesterday found the former Royal Hobart Hospital boss Jane Holden hired her associate Gavin Austin without following proper processes.

It also found Mr Austin hired several of his past associates and his own son without following due process.

The commission's report points to a culture of spin and cover up in Tasmania's health system and says cultural change is needed.

It said Mr Austin hired a family member to do work on King Island without following proper processes.

Both managers told investigators they relied on their subordinates to know the procedures.

Mr Austin, who is the head of the North-West Health Organisation, has refused an interview request.

But in a text message to the ABC he says he is following a legal process and he disputes the allegations.

"I do want to add it has been my privilege working for the board, the people, patients and staff of the North-West. I look forward to the outcome of the investigation," the message reads.

Mr Austin was given until 5pm yesterday to give reasons why he should not be suspended.

He did not respond by the deadline.

Ms Holden has also refused to comment. She remains on the public payroll.

A prominent Hobart lawyer has criticised the Integrity Commission report.

The Australian Lawyers Alliance's Greg Barns says the commission is not like a court because it does not give the accused the right to cross-examine their accusers.

"I think that the conduct of the minister in releasing the report in the parliament, by effectively hanging these people out to dry without them being entitled to have their say, is appalling conduct," he said.

The commision took the unusual step of naming the pair in the report to give context and because of their seniority.

The Government looks set to use the report to restructure the health system at a time when it needs to find huge savings.

Despite many people being aware of the allegations the Commission said it took a member of the public to raised the alarm revealing an unethical culture within the department.

The Government has one month to respond to the report, but has vowed to take action on the 11 recommendations.

They include declaring all conflicts of interest; a review of remuneration to public servants and an audit of all recruitment in the North west health system.

The Auditor-General is currently conducting an audit of state service recruitment.

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