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Queensland act
The Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 is Queensland's framework law for running the public hospital and health system. It sets up the structure, rules, and accountability mechanisms for how Queensland's public health services are organised and delivered.
1. Sets up local health boards Each region has a Hospital and Health Service (HHS) — a government body (called a 'statutory body') that runs hospitals and health services in that area. Each HHS is controlled by a Hospital and Health Board of 5+ appointed members, including at least one clinician (a working health professional) and at least one Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person.
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Direct links to the current provisions in Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011.
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View on official registerSourced from Queensland Legislation (legislation.qld.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
2. Splits power between local and state Boards have real local control — they hire their own CEO, manage finances, and run services. But the state government (through the Department of Health chief executive) keeps big-picture oversight: statewide planning, industrial relations, major building projects, and setting binding directives.
3. Locks in service agreements Every HHS must sign a legally binding service agreement with the state government, spelling out what services they'll deliver, how much money they'll get, and how their performance will be measured. If they can't agree, the Minister decides.
4. Protects patient information Confidential health information about people who use public health services is protected.
5. Ensures quality and accountability HHSs must report their performance, engage with clinicians and the community, and commit to quality and safety. Special reviewers and auditors can be appointed to examine how well they're performing.
6. Covers employment Health workers across the whole Queensland public health system are employed on the same terms and conditions, with the state negotiating industry-wide workplace agreements.
7. Commits to health equity The law specifically requires each HHS to have a strategy for achieving fairer health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.