Qld: Gov manipulated more than one hospital tender: Opposition

AAP General News (Australia)
04-22-2006
Qld: Gov manipulated more than one hospital tender: Opposition

In Queensland .. the opposition has accused the state government of manipulating a
second multi-million dollar health tender process.

Coalition Health spokesman BRUCE FLEGG says documents released in parliament yesterday
reveal the BEATTIE Government asked only one private company to tender for a management
contract at Rockhampton Hospital's emergency department .. in the state's central north.

He says the February 15 tender had been kept a total secret so no companies other than
Aspen Medical could apply.

He claims documents released yesterday .. including e-mails .. contain doctored references
to the Rockhampton emergency department.

The same company was last month awarded an 8.78 million dollar contract to run and
review the Caboolture Hospital's emergency department for the next year.

Another company .. Anodyne Services Australia .. claimed yesterday it was never contacted
about the tender .. despite government claims to the contrary.

A spokesman for Queensland Health Minister STEPHEN ROBERTSON denies any wrongdoing
on either contract.

AAP RTV sjk/jv

KEYWORD: DOCTORS ROCKHAMPTON (BRISBANE)

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