Mind the byelection for Metro North chief in curious committee call-up
Queensland's health committee held a contentious and unusually brief meeting with Metro North Health CEO Nick Steele, centered on issues related to Prince Charles Hospital in the lead-up to the Stafford byelection. The meeting, criticized as a political stunt, proceeded without a prepared statement or briefing materials, raising concerns about its purpose and timing. Steele stated he was given little notice and unclear direction, reportedly from a minister's office, ahead of the session.
- ▪Metro North Health CEO Nick Steele was called to a parliamentary health committee briefing with minimal notice and no prepared statement.
- ▪The meeting focused on Prince Charles Hospital, located in the Stafford electorate, where a byelection is scheduled for next month.
- ▪Labor MPs criticized the session as a political stunt, noting the absence of a pre-meeting portfolio briefing and questioning its legitimacy.
- ▪Steele said he was informed of the meeting by a minister's office, but did not specify which minister or provide further details.
- ▪The committee session, initially planned for 15 minutes, was extended after a motion by Labor MP Joe Kelly, who opposed its perceived political nature.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Sydney Morning Herald.