Spurned doctor seeks legal advice after Crisafulli government U-turn
By Cameron Atfield and Matt Dennien
Would-be chief health officer Dr Krispin Hajkowicz is considering his legal options after the Crisafulli government’s U-turn on appointing him as Queensland’s chief medico.
Hajkowicz is seeking legal advice after his appointment as Dr John Gerrard’s permanent successor was abruptly scuttled by the government, despite his selection through a merit-based process run by recruitment agency HardyGroup.
It was not the first time Hajkowicz had been selected as CHO – the former Labor government appointed him to the role in 2021, but he decided not to take up the role just days from his official start date, citing personal reasons.
Krispin Hajkowicz at the announcement of his appointment as CHO in 2021.Credit: Matt Dennien
A government spokesperson said that decision in 2021 was the reason his appointment in 2025 had been vetoed.
“On October 5, 2021, Dr Hajkowicz was announced as the State’s Chief Health Officer. He resigned from the role three weeks later,” the spokesperson said.
“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.”
But there had been suggestions a Save Victoria Park sign displayed at his house, along with historical Greens corflutes at the address, had also played a role – suggestions the LNP government has denied.
On Friday, deputy Labor opposition leader Cameron Dick – a former health minister – said the government was putting politics ahead of public health.
“They’ve had a succession of ministers out and about trying to explain it, but they were unable to explain what happened. Why? Because media reports made it clear senior ministers and the government robbed Dr Hajkowicz of this job because they didn’t like the outcome,” he said.
“Well, it’s not for politicians to make that decision after there’s been a full merit-based selection process, and I think it was a last-minute, desperate attempt by the government to justify their actions.
“If they’re relying on something that happened four years ago to stop this man who has gone through a merit selection process from getting appointed, then I think people should be greatly concerned.”
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