• Senior clinician targeted for speaking out
• This is not leadership, it is revenge
• Decision sends shockwaves through health system
The Hodgman Minority Government has sent a clear message to hard working hospital staff that anyone who dares to speak out about the true state of the health system will be sacked.
Shadow Health Minister, Sarah Lovell, said the decision to remove senior clinicians Dr John Burgess and Trish Allen from their roles had sent shockwaves through the health system.
"It is disgraceful for Sarah Courtney to try to silence senior clinicians rather than listening to their concerns," Ms Lovell said.
"This is not leadership, it is revenge.
"Dr Burgess has long been a critic of the Liberals management of the health system, including a recent opinion piece which concluded with a frank statement: "the fish rots from the head."
In a letter to his colleagues, Dr Burgess said there had been no warning and no consultation prior to the decision.
He made it clear that he believes he has been targeted for speaking out:
"I will naturally continue to speak up for our patients, staff and the teams who care for them, notwithstanding this having personal costs."
"Today Sarah Courtney failed to explain why she has targeted medical professionals on the frontline, rather than taking responsibility for the crisis in our health and hospital system."
Sarah Lovell MLC
Shadow Health Minister
