In Parliamentary Estimates on Thursday 10 December 2020, I asked about the investigation into possible corrupt conduct surrounding a lawsuit by psychiatrists against a former patient.
You can read the answer below or in the official Queensland Parliament Record of Proceedings (Hansard).
Mr BERKMAN: I have a question for the CEO of Metro North HHS. In relation to the ABC reporting in 2020 that the Metro North HHS was paying legal fees for a defamation lawsuit by psychiatrists against a former patient—who happens to be a constituent of mine, I would add—is the investigation by Ashurst lawyers into possible corrupt conduct in relation to that lawsuit now complete and will that—
Ms KING: Point of order, Chair.
Ms BATES: I have been pulled up. That should be pulled up.
CHAIR: Thank you, member for Mudgeeraba, but I have this. What is the point of order?
Ms KING: I think we have a lengthy preamble and there are some imputations contained in it.
CHAIR: Absolutely. Member for Maiwar, perhaps try to come to something relevant to the appropriation bills.
Mr BERKMAN: Is the investigation by Ashurst lawyers into possible corrupt conduct in relation to that lawsuit now complete and will the litigation be withdrawn?
Mr Drummond: This is an ongoing investigation. It is still occurring. It has not been completed.
Mr BERKMAN: So Ashurst is still being paid out of the budget to conduct the investigation?
Mr Drummond: I am saying that there is an investigation continuing in this matter. It is a complex matter that actually intersects with many other issues.