Defence: Medical Officers

Mr Price asked the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 17 November 2004:

1. Further to the answer to question No. 1674 (Hansard, 14 May 2003, page 14599), what was the advice that the Fleet Medical Officer provided on the suitability of Dr McKenzie to serve on HMAS Kanimbla whilst under investigation for professional misconduct by the WA Medical Board of Inquiry and why was the advice provided orally and not in writing.
2. Was the Fleet Medical Officer aware of the particulars of the notice issued to Dr McKenzie by the WA Medical Board of Inquiry; if not, on what basis was the Fleet Medical Officer in a position to tender any advice to the Directorate of Naval Officer Postings.
3. Did the Fleet Medical Officer appear before the WA Medical Board of Inquiry; if so, how did the inquiry characterise his evidence.

Mrs Kelly - The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

1.  The Fleet Medical Officer provided advice to the Directorate of Naval Officers Postings that Commander McKenzie was available and had the necessary qualifications and experience. There is no requirement for the Fleet Medical Officer to provide written advice regarding the availability of medical officers being posted to fleet units.
2. No. The Fleet Medical Officer provided his advice on the basis that Commander McKenzie was a qualified and registered medical practitioner with the relevant skills and experience for the deployment.
3. No.

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