NSW government refuses to release about 150 health scandal documents to parliament
NSW government refused to release about 150 documents on health scandals. The reason was legal privilege and business sensitivity.
The Minns government refused to release about 150 documents that parliament ordered. The documents cover mould and maintenance failures at Calvary Mater Hospital.
The documents also cover workplace bullying at the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. NSW Health secretary Susan Pearce said the Ministry didn't have enough time to search for them.
She said legal privilege and business sensitivity were reasons for the refusal. The government missed the routine three-week deadline.
Greens health spokesperson Amanda Cohn opposed the move. She said parliament must access government records.
She said this is essential to democracy. Some helicopter records were released in late October.
They contained 31 safety recommendations.
- About 150
- Documents withheld
- October 22
- Order approval date
- 31
- Helicopter review recommendations
- Three weeks
- Release deadline
Why it mattersParliament needs to access government documents. This checks the power of leaders. When documents are withheld, it weakens parliament's oversight and public accountability.
AustraliaNSW residents affected by failures at these health organisations have limited ability to see what went wrong or what the government knew, as records remain hidden from public scrutiny.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 d ago
