’ Mates’ claim on board role
TOWNSVILLE Hospital and Health Service has hit back at suggestions a recent board appointee was made based on political allegiances.
Former Labor Brisbane City councillor Shayne Sutton was last month appointed to the hospital board for a one- year term.
Ms Sutton resigned as a Brisbane councillor last October after serving for 13 years.
At the time she said her resignation followed the appointment of her husband, Stephen Beckett, as the general manager community engagement at Townsville City Council.
Following the board appointment LNP health spokeswoman Ros Bates said the State Government was more interested in jobs for “Labor mates” than providing health services in Townsville.
“It shows that Labor puts politics ahead of patient care,” she said. “Our hard- working nurses, doctors and paramedics need more help and more resources on the frontline.”
But board chair Tony Mooney rejected the accusations and said board members were appointed following an “extensive” expression of interest and application process, which was managed through the Office of Health Statutory Agencies.
“The recruitment process is facilitated by an independent recruitment firm, in this instance, Davidsons Executive & Boards,” he said.
Mr Mooney said new board members were required to demonstrate skills, knowledge and experience.
“Shayne brings a wealth of experience in community engagement, public policy, and the delivery of major infrastructure projects to the table,” he said.
“I am very proud of what the board has achieved over the past two years and I look forward to Shayne joining us as we continue to set the strategic direction of the Townsville Hospital and Health Service to benefit individuals, families and communities in North Queensland.”
Former LNP candidate for Townsville Casie Scott said she believed there had been a lack of transparency around Ms Sutton’s appointment.
“Why was Ms Sutton appointed over those with local knowledge and understanding? It’s an absolute slap in the face to our region,” Ms Scott said in a blog post this week.
“The Townsville Hospital and Health Service should not be manipulated as another vehicle for the Labor Party to peddle its political agenda.”