Your chance to be the difference

As Director-General, leading Queensland Health you will:

• oversee communication, governance and values-based management to the department and its employees
• preserve and build productive working relationships with stakeholders, identifying tactful and diplomatic management practices to support their differing and competing requirements and priorities
• mobilise effective and efficient governance, administration and operation of the department, fostering an environment of accountability for the performance of its functions and associated outcomes
• coordinate the appropriate services required to ensure the Minister is positioned to deliver the priorities set out in the Ministerial Charter Letter for Queensland Health
• pursue with transparency, the administration of the various Acts to promote their purpose, encouraging innovation through understanding of the principal responsibilities required to deliver the Queensland Government’s objectives for the community
• model to the highest level, the standards of ethical behaviour operating with transparency in decision making, establishing consistency for the application of these practices
• lead through awareness, demonstrating clear rationale to exemplary problem solving and decision-making practices, encouraging the sectors ongoing commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Administered Legislation

The responsibilities of ministers and their portfolios are set out in Administrative Arrangements Orders. For each Minister, they detail the principal responsibilities, the Acts they administer, and the departments, agencies and office holders responsible for them.

Portfolio Entities

Queensland Health is comprised of the Department of Health, the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) and 16 independent Hospital and Health Services.

Government objectives

As Director-General of Queensland Health you will play a significant role in influencing the execution and successful delivery of the Queensland Government objectives for the community that reflect the government’s vision for Queensland and outline our plan to build future prosperity and growth across the state.

The objectives are long-term and can only be achieved by everyone involved working together.

The objectives are:

Leading the sector

Chief executives lead a public service committed to providing the highest standard of impartial, evidence-based advice to their Minister and government in a Westminster-style system.

Accountable to the Premier of Queensland and reporting to the responsible Minister, you will contribute to better jobs, better services and better lifestyles for Queenslanders by implementing the policies, priorities, services or programs of the elected government.

As Chief Executive you will be responsible for:

• providing visionary, strategic and ethical values-based leadership and management to the department
• modelling, promoting and supporting a workplace culture of respect and inclusion
• actively promoting a workplace culture that supports internal and sector-wide mobility to grow a diverse talent pipeline into leadership roles
• building positive and healthy workplace cultures based on professional respect and integrity, enabling every employee to achieve their potential
• driving best practice human resource management principles relating to permanent appointments as the default basis of employment
• providing stewardship of the public sector by actively participating in collective and collaborative leadership and implementing public sector-wide policies decided by the Premier and the Public Sector Governance council
• actively promoting and supporting flexible work practices that model progressive workplace environments
• taking responsibility for compliance and decision making of all recruitment activities outcomes
• managing the department in a way that promotes the effective, efficient and appropriate management of public resources while ensuring appropriate accountability for ethical standards and effective management and leadership of human resources.

In addition to legislation relevant to their portfolio, Chief Executives have a range of overarching legislative responsibilities including:

• to secure the health and safety of workers and workplaces in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• undertaking the role of accountable officer for the department under the Financial Accountability Act 2009
• the provision of advice to government through the responsible Minister, regarding the functions, policies and administration of the department under the Public Sector Act 2022
• undertaking the role of Chief Executive Officer of the department under the Public Sector Act 2022
• ensuring equity, diversity, respect and inclusion, as required under Chapter 2 of the Public Sector Act 2022
• leading the reframing of the Relationship with Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as outlined in Chapter 1 of the Public Sector Act 2022
• ethical behaviour and integrity required under the Public Sector Ethics Act 1994
• decision making that reflects the objectives stipulated under the Human Rights Act 2019

Leadership qualities

As a Chief Executive of the Queensland Government, you are expected to provide exemplary leadership qualities that align to the Leadership competencies for Queensland. See the below list of key behaviours that have been identified as critical for you to succeed in the role.

• leads strategically
• stimulates ideas and innovation
• leads change in complex environments
• makes insightful decisions
• develops and mobilises talent
• builds enduring relationships
• inspires others
• drives accountability and outcomes
• fosters healthy and inclusive workplaces
• pursues continuous growth
• demonstrates sound governance.

Agency profile

Queensland Health is comprised of the Department of Health, the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) and 16 independent Hospital and Health Services (HHSs) situated across the state. The remainder of the Queensland Health portfolio includes the Queensland Mental Health Commission, the Office of the Health Ombudsman, the Council of the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR Berghofer) and Health and Wellbeing Queensland.  Check out their interactive map to see their different hospital and health services areas.

Service areas

Queensland Health will deliver the following services in 2023-2024.

• Inpatient care – to provide safe, timely, appropriately accessible, patient-centred care that maximises the health outcomes of patients.
• Outpatient Care – to deliver timely coordinated care, clinical follow up and appropriate discharge planning throughout the patient journey, inclusive of service delivery using innovative technology that maximises the health outcomes of patients.
• Emergency Care – to minimise early mortality and complications, through timely diagnosis and treatment of acute and urgent illness and injury.
• Sub and Non-Acute Care – to provide specialised multidisciplinary care that aims to optimise patients’ functioning and quality of life.
• Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Services – to provide comprehensive, recovery-oriented mental health, drug and alcohol services to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders and minimise the impact of substance misuse in Queensland communities.
• Prevention, Primary and Community Care – to prevent illness and injury, address health problems or risk factors and protect the good health and wellbeing of Queenslanders.
• Office for Women – to ensure that women and girls across all cultures, backgrounds and age groups fully participate in the social, economic and broader community of Queensland.

Role and resources

The focus for Queensland Health in 2023–2024 is to improve patients’ access to care through improving ambulance responsiveness and reducing ramping, improving emergency department access, improving access to surgery and specialist clinics as well as boosting women’s health care and mental health care.

In 2023-2024 the department is working towards its objectives:

• Queenslanders have access to quality and safe health care and equitable health outcomes
• Queenslanders have overall improved health, a good start to life, healthy ageing and a good end of life experience
• Queensland has an innovative, connected and sustainable health system, and the Queensland Health workforce is valued, respected and empowered to lead the delivery of world-class health services each working at the top of their scope of practice

2023-2024 Portfolio Budget

• Full-time equivalent employees 106,743[1]
• 2023-2024 Department Budget[2]
  • Capital purchases: $1.6 billion
  • Income – Controlled: $24 billion
  • Expenses – Controlled: $24 billion

[1] Staffing sourced from Service Delivery Statements 2023-24 Queensland Health

[2] Data sourced from Service Delivery Statements 2023-24 Queensland Health

Ministerial Charter Letter

Queensland Health delivers the following identified priorities, as set out in the Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Service and Minister for Women Ministerial Charter Letter:

Sections of the Charter letter:

Health

Oversee the delivery of the Queensland Health and Hospitals Plan including:

• New infrastructure and more beds;
• A larger workforce;
• A focus on mental health; and
• Innovative reforms to our health system.

As part of the Queensland Health and Hospitals Plan, continue to invest in, build and expand new facilities across Queensland to strengthen Queensland’s hospital and health system and deliver better health care for all Queenslanders, including through:

• Progressing planning and delivery for hospitals and other health infrastructure for the Capacity Expansion Program, including new hospitals in Toowoomba, Coomera and Bundaberg, the Queensland Cancer Centre and expansions at Cairns, Hervey Bay, Ipswich, Logan, Mackay, Redcliffe and Townsville and in Brisbane at the QEII, Princess Alexandra and The Prince Charles Hospitals and lease arrangements for Robina Hospital;
• Investing in hospital expansions through the Accelerated Infrastructure Delivery Program; and
• The Building Rural and Remote Health Program – Phase 1 and 2.
• Progress a detailed business case on the redevelopment of the Spinal Injuries Unit at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.
• Continue to deliver the COVID–19 health response, working closely with other Ministers in line with the National COVID–19 Community Protection Framework for a COVIDSafe Australia.
• Continue to attract, retain and invest in new frontline staff to deliver a world-class level of public health care.
• Deliver on HEALTHQ32: A vision for Queensland’s health system, to be a dynamic and responsive health system where the workforce is valued and empowered to provide world-class healthcare to all Queenslanders.
• Progress the construction, commissioning and operationalisation of seven new Satellite Hospitals across South East Queensland at Redlands, Tugun, Ripley, Bribie Island, Kallangur, Eight Mile Plains and Caboolture, providing residents with better access to health services in more appropriate settings, closer to home.
• Work with community stakeholders to develop a model for expanding nurse-to patient ratios in places experiencing high demand, including operating theatres, emergency departments and maternity wards.
• Work with partners in the health system to deliver the $764 million investment into Putting Patients First – Further action to tackle ramping and healthcare pressures. Oversee implementation of a range of initiatives that include: keeping Queenslanders out of hospital and providing alternatives to emergency departments supercharging virtual care strengthening our Queensland Ambulance Service investing in more frontline health workers and more beds for our growing population.
• Continue to collaborate with the Federal Government to strengthen partnerships with the primary care, aged care and disability services sectors.
• Continue to work to ensure all expectant Queensland mothers have access to appropriate maternity care as close to home as possible.
• Continue to work to ensure the timely provision of planned care through the public health system.
• Continue to oversee reforms in Pharmacy model of care and extension in pharmacy scope of practice, including delivering on the North Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot.
• Continue the roll-out of the electronic medical record program to more hospitals across Queensland to ensure delivery of better care for patients and greater efficiency across the health system.
• Work with other ministers to oversee implementation of the government response to the Commission of Inquiry into Forensic DNA Testing in Queensland.
• Continue to consider reforms to aged care, in line with the findings of the final report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and Federal Government reforms, in consultation with aged care sector stakeholders, and in line with the roles and responsibilities for aged care.
• Work with the Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Seniors and Disability Services to develop an improved service delivery model for forensic disability services in Queensland.
• Support the Minister for Employment and Small Business, Minister for Training and Skills Development and Minister for Youth Justice in the implementation of youth justice initiatives to help prevent crime, improve outcomes and enhance community safety, including through early intervention, prevention and rehabilitation responses.
• Develop and implement a Queensland women’s health strategy.
• Deliver preventive health strategies including controls in tobacco and other smoking products (vaping), with a focus on strengthening Queensland’s tobacco legislation retail provision, strengthening Queensland’s advertising and promotion provisions; and increasing smoke-free places.
• Continue delivery of a range of cancer screening programs such as bowel and breast screening alongside social marketing campaigns to reduce smoking and alcohol consumption and to promote healthier lifestyles.
• Continue to oversee Health and Wellbeing Queensland, and support delivery of plans to achieve real and measurable improvements in the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders.
• Continue to support the implementation and monitoring of the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy 2016-26 in conjunction with the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence.
• Advance health equity and improve the health and wellbeing of First Nations Queenslanders including through:
• continuing and expanding initiatives under Making Tracks and supporting the implementation of local health equity strategies for each Hospital and Health Service in consultation with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services sector and communities; and
• Developing and implementing a First Nations Workforce Strategy.
• Work with the Minister for Treaty, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Minister for Communities and Minister for the Arts to support implementation of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap including the development of Queensland’s Closing the Gap implementation plan in a co-design approach with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and their representatives.
• Implement the Ending Rheumatic Heart Disease: Queensland’s First Nations Strategy 2021-24 and action plans that seek to end rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Continue to lead reforms to palliative care including through implementation of the Palliative and End-of-Life Care Strategy, employing sufficient staff and supporting practitioners, and delivering public education and advocacy.
• Continue to support the health sector in implementing the voluntary assisted dying scheme, assisting practitioners to deliver this scheme and ensure high quality and safe care.
• Continue to deliver the $30 million Solar Panel and Energy Efficiency Program, including solar panels at 50 hospital sites, overseen by the Office of Hospital Sustainability.

Mental Health

Contribute to delivery of the Queensland Health and Hospitals Plan and Putting Patients First – Further action to tackle ramping and healthcare pressures.
Support mental health, alcohol and other drug, and suicide prevention services across Queensland through:

• Implementing the Better Care Together Plan with a focus on building services, supporting vulnerable groups in our community and strengthening system enablers that support access to care;
• Planning and delivering priority infrastructure projects to improve mental health facilities in hospital and community settings including crisis support units and spaces as well as additional inpatient capacity and community recovery support, and models of care such as mental health co-responders with Queensland Ambulance Service;
• Developing and implementing the whole-of-government response to the Mental Health Select Committee’s Inquiry into opportunities to improve mental health outcomes for Queenslanders; and
• Continuing to support the Queensland Mental Health Commission in the delivery of whole-of-government mental health, alcohol, other drug and suicide prevention strategies and associated sub-plans, and the implementation of initiatives to address use and harm caused by crystal methamphetamine.

Ambulance Services

Contribute to delivery of the Queensland Health and Hospitals Plan and Putting Patients First-Further action to tackle ramping and healthcare pressures.

• Continue to support the delivery of timely, quality and appropriate, patient focused services in the face of increasing demand, including through continued investment in additional frontline staff.
• Investigate pathways to better integrate the work of the Queensland Ambulance Service with Hospital and Health Services, and other health and community sector partners.
• Deliver new and replacement Ambulance Stations across Queensland in line with Government commitments.

Women

• Lead implementation of and support ongoing community engagement with the Queensland Women’s Strategy 2022–27 to strengthen and support the rights of Queensland women and girls, including through a renewed focus on women’s economic security.
• Support Queensland Government Ministers and agencies to implement women’s economic security initiatives.
• Oversee delivery of the Investing in Queensland Women grants program, providing one-off grants for events and projects that address the unique issues faced by women and girls.

National Agreements, National Partnerships & National Reform Projects

• Implement initiatives under the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement and associated Bilateral Agreement.
• Support the Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment in relation to negotiation, management and implementation of any intergovernmental funding agreements relevant to your portfolio.
• Represent Queensland on National Ministerial forums relevant to your portfolio, including the Health Ministers’ Meeting.
• Represent Queensland on the Australia-New Zealand Food Regulation Ministers’ Meeting. As Queensland’s representative you will also be responsible for consulting with, and representing the views of, the Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities.
• Represent Queensland’s interests during the review of the National Health Reform Agreement which is anticipated to inform the development of the next Agreement and ensure a fair share of funding for Queensland.
• Proactively engage with your Federal Government counterpart to ensure Queensland is well placed to leverage key opportunities associated with the commitments made by the Federal Government and advocate for a fair share of funding.

Additional Information

Conditions and benefits of the role

All newly appointed public service employees who have been employed as a lobbyist in the previous two years are required to provide a disclosure within one month of commencement in accordance with Disclosure of Previous Employment as a Lobbyist Policy.

Any applicant recommended for appointment who is a current or previous public sector employee is required to disclose previous serious disciplinary action taken against them. If recommended for employment the panel chair will contact the applicant further to discuss this requirement.

Your home base will be 1 William Street, it displays fantastic views of Brisbane and surrounding suburbs, including modern facilities designed to support a collaborative, secure and inclusive workspace.

Your employment with the Queensland Government will encompass a competitive salary package, with benefits, including 12.75 per cent employer superannuation contributions and generous leave entitlements.  A range of salary packaging options are also available.

Your employment conditions are set out in the Public Sector Act 2022 and your contract of employment. Remuneration commensurate with the role and responsibilities will be negotiable.

If successful, you will be required to:

• give consent for pre-employment criminal history and personal probity checks to be conducted on you, including verifying higher educational qualifications
• enter into an initial performance agreement with the Premier or delegate within three months of commencing and thereafter for each financial year
• provide and keep current your declaration of interests, which will be made publicly available.

More information

Discover more about the department, our people and priorities online or visit our LinkedIn profile.

Follow the links to our Annual report and Strategic plan.

Learn more about working for the Queensland Government and what it’s like to #BeHere4Qld.

Download the information on this page as a Candidate Information PDF Pack.

Apply

Queensland Health is committed to inclusive and diverse practices, including recruitment and selection which ensures people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, women, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have equal opportunity to apply and participate.

Candidates who represent diverse backgrounds are encouraged to submit an application. Please see our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for more information.

To be considered for this role, please provide the following information:

• Your current resume
• A maximum two-page cover letter, including a suitability statement

Apply via the form or contact:

Pam Lubrainschik, Managing Consultant, on 0452 295 088 or via email paml@ccentricgroup.com

Kim Gillespie, Senior Consultant, on 0406 551 917 or via email kimg@ccentricgroup.com