Queensland Health Minister over a barrel in sexual assault of a nurse case

Mar 21 2008

The Queensland Health Minister Stephen Robertson has been put over a barrel and forced to release the information he received following the sexual assault of a nurse working on Marbuig Island in the Torres Strait, last month.

The release of the information comes amid a growing furore over security concerns for staff working in remote areas and the issue has become a political 'hot potato'.

In a report carried out in 2006 warnings were given of staff security risks on the islands but Mr Robertson has denied it was passed onto him.

The Opposition has called for Mr Robertson's resignation over the issue.

In response to criticism of his handling of the situation Mr. Robertson flew to the Torres Strait late last week to inspect facilities on Mabuiag, Warraber, Horn and Badu islands and also met with local nurses.

The government has been accused of failing to act on three separate reports detailing major safety and maintenance issues facing health workers, including poor security, broken windows and door locks, lack of proper lighting and faulty panic alarms.

Nurses have given Queensland Health until March 28th for maintenance issues to be resolved in the region and are threatening reprisals in the form of a district-wide strike.

Although an influx of tradesmen has been sent into the region to carry out urgent repairs, the Queensland Nurses Union (QNU) is not confident all the work will be done in time.

QNU secretary Gay Hawksworth says serious problems still exist and no progress has been made with Queensland Health on the issue of single-nurse postings.

Hawksworth says if that issue too is not resolved by March 28th, nurses will leave their posts.

Mr Robertson has denied inaction on his part over the issue and has blamed his department for failing to act on a 2006 Risk Assessment report which highlighted safety issues.

He says on that count he has referred the matter to the Crime and Misconduct Commission so an independent investigation can take place.

Premier Anna Bligh has been accused of "protecting" her Health Minister.