In Estimates today, Katy Gallagher was forced to reveal that her relative is in the reporting chain of the Canberra Hospital Manager who falsified Emergency Department data. ACT Shadow Health Minister Jeremy Hanson said this comes after previous statements from the Minister that this conflict of interest was simply a ‘personal’ relationship.

“Katy Gallagher has misled the community about the nature of her conflict of interest in this scandal,” Mr Hanson said today.

“Her relative’s direct working relationship with the individual at the centre of the scandal should have been fully disclosed from the outset. Instead, she has continued to be tricky with her words and keep the community in the dark.

“She’s continually changed her story, and up until today, hasn’t explained the full scope of her conflict of interest.

“Katy Gallagher was silent on any potential conflict until the Opposition started asking direct questions in April, and even then, she failed to disclose the full extent of the conflict of interest.

“It was revealed under questioning today, that not only does her relative have a personal relationship with the Manager who falsified emergency department data, they also work under them in an area associated with the Emergency Department.

“Katy Gallagher simply cannot be trusted to tell the full story on any health issue.

“These continual changes to Katy Gallagher’s story are precisely why we need a Royal Commission into this scandal,” Mr Hanson concluded.

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