Mark Parton secures urgent action on health system culture

The ACT Legislative Assembly has today passed a Canberra Liberals motion calling for stronger accountability and transparency in addressing ongoing cultural issues within the Territory’s public health system.

The motion recognises that, despite significant past initiatives, including the Independent Review into Workplace Culture within ACT Public Health Services (2019–2021) and subsequent reviews, serious concerns remain. Workplace culture continues to reflect findings previously described as “worrying and pervasive.”

Canberra Liberals Leader, and Shadow Minister for Health, Mark Parton said the motion acknowledges what frontline health workers have been raising for years.

“When frontline workers are telling us that workplace culture is still impacting their wellbeing and their ability to deliver care, we need to listen, and we need to act.”

Further concerns have been highlighted in the February 2026 progress report of the Inquiry into the ACT Health System, led by independent chair Michael Walsh, which identified high levels of workforce complaints across Canberra Health Services.

Mr Parton said these findings demonstrate the need for greater transparency and ongoing scrutiny.

“The Minister assures us that she’s dealing with these issues however, these reports confirm that the problem hasn’t gone away. In some areas, it’s getting worse,” Mr Parton said.

“This is not about politics, it’s about ensuring we have a health system where staff feel safe, supported and respected.”

The motion calls on the ACT Labor Government to:

• Report to the Assembly on the current state of workplace culture, including psychosocial risks and the impact of negative culture on frontline health workers

• Reinstate annual, independent reviews to closely monitor workplace culture and assess the system-wide consequences for staff and patient outcomes

• Ensure robust, accessible, and trusted reporting and complaints mechanisms are in place for both staff and patients.

“There must be continuous oversight, transparency and accountability to ensure real change is delivered.”

Mr Parton said the Assembly has sent a clear message that action must follow.

“Frontline healthcare workers deserve a safe workplace, and patients deserve confidence in the system,” Mr Parton said.

“We cannot keep glossing over these issues. The time for sustained action is now.”

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