Mr. Bernard Gloster:

I do not believe legislation is required to underpin the RHA and to give it either the authority or accountability that is required for it because that accountability ultimately rests with me as the CEO. I believe the potential deficit that people have identified can be mitigated. First, I do not believe the six regional health leaders should be put into a stepped process of a big gap between me as the CEO and them. That should be a direct reporting relationship, so accountability can be achieved in that way.

Accountability processes generally in civil employment cases are always open to significant challenge because the disciplinary procedures and other accountability mechanisms are not underpinned by legislation. I do not think the structure needs to be underpinned by legislation to achieve that.