The Deputy Opposition Leader Wayne Berry drew a long bow when he suggested that Chief Minister and Health Minister Kate Carnell should withdraw from discussions with the Federal Government of devolving some health matters to states if pharmaceutical benefits were on the agenda. Mr Berry said that because Mrs Carnell owns a pharmacy there was a potential for a conflict of interest.
However, Mrs Carnell’s pharmacy has been declared as an interest, is being run by a manager and she has withdrawn from any involvement in its day-today running, as required by the code of conduct brought in by the minority Liberal Government last year. Moreover, the basis on which pharmacists are paid is the subject of a five-year agreement with the federal government. Mrs Carnell is in no different position than that of the many Liberal and Labor medical practitioners who have been ministers for health over the years who have been engaged in discussions about Medicare and other payment arrangements.
Under Mr Berry’s approach is that virtually no-one who owns a business … even in hands-off management … could be a minister and escape allegations of conflict of interest because Government is so complex these days. People should not be required to sell their businesses before going into politics, otherwise good people will be deterred from seeking office. Moreover, if they retain their business, they are more likely to retain the independence of action that comes from having an escape route, rather than being obsequious or hanging on because they need the salary. The key is that interests are declared and that Ministers withdraw from day-to-day running so they can concentrate on the task at hand.