Now the Queensland government is on the hunt for a new Chief Health Officer. It may explain why Fells’ first choice, Dr. Krispin Hajkowicz, turned down the job when offered the position in 2021. This extended recruitment process has raised questions about the government’s confidence in securing a stable leader for Queensland’s health sector.
In August of this year, Dr. Hajkowicz was tendered yet another offer to take up the Chief Health Officer role. This offer was later rescinded. Our government simply did not believe that Dr. Hajkowicz was the right person to fill this important role. As the region’s key public health position, her role is fundamental to forming and controlling the region’s public health policy and response.
“The government is not confident that the stability and longevity Queenslanders expect in this role has yet been met and the recruitment process is ongoing,” – government spokesperson
Recruitment Challenges
The process of recruitment to replace the Chief Health Officer has experienced significant challenges. These challenges started the moment that Dr. Hajkowicz accepted the position back in 2021. Within a few weeks of accepting, he stepped down, blaming “personal reasons.” This sudden exit left a huge void of uncertainty in the health department and forced the administration to look for other replacements.
Despite efforts to fill the position, the government has struggled to find a leader who meets their expectations for stability and experience. The fluctuating status of Dr. Hajkowicz’s candidacy has compounded these difficulties, leading to ongoing concerns regarding leadership continuity in Queensland’s health sector.
Response from Dr. Hajkowicz
For this documentary, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reached out to Dr. Hajkowicz earlier this year. He did not respond to questions about why he’s running or the terms of his resignation and subsequent explanation of offer. His quiet makes an already stormy recruitment landscape even worse. Only time will tell what role he will choose to play in the world of public health going forward.
Dr. Hajkowicz’s spouse, Dr. Sarah Martin, recently made news with her just as unconventional submission to parliament. She is currently campaigning for new planning legislation in relation to the Victoria Park Stadium. As much as her political activism has garnered interest and attention, they seem to have no connection to the continuing debate over her husband’s potential future employment prospects.
Ongoing Search for Leadership
The Queensland government is currently recruiting for the role. Stakeholders point out that whoever ultimately fills the position will need to be bold enough and equipped to address one of the most pressing health crises affecting the community. By virtue of this role, the Chief Health Officer leads the development of statewide public health policies and strategies. This role is even more critical in periods of crisis.
The government is still dedicated to finding such a candidate who can meet these responsibilities and expectations. They continue to evaluate potential candidates while striving to reassure Queenslanders of their commitment to public health leadership.
