Health Minister Responds to Stewart Kelly Report Delay Controversy

BRISBANE : Health and Ambulance Services Minister Tim Nicholls has responded to growing public outcry over the “disgraceful” circumstances surrounding the death of Stewart Kelly, clarifying that his office has no legal power to release the investigation’s results.

In a formal statement, Minister Nicholls expressed his condolences to the Kelly family, who have waited years for an explanation as to how the 45-year-old autistic man died in a state-run hospital.

“I would like to express my full sympathies to Mr. Kelly’s family,” the Minister said. “I understand how frustrating it must be for them to still be waiting for answers from the Office of the Health Ombudsman (OHO).”

Addressing allegations that the government is suppressing the report, Minister Nicholls emphasized that the OHO operates as an autonomous body. He stated that ministerial “sign-off” is not required for the release of such documents, effectively placing the responsibility for the delay solely on the Ombudsman.

“The Minister does not have to sign off on a report before it can be released by the Health Ombudsman. The Office of the Health Ombudsman is independent to Government,” Nicholls stated.

Despite the Minister’s clarification, the Kelly family remains in a state of “traumatic limbo.” Stewart’s mother, Ann, has been the driving force behind the quest for accountability. For her, the distinction between “Government” and “Ombudsman” offers little comfort while the document that could explain her son’s death remains a secret.

Advocates argue that while independence is a key pillar of the watchdog, it should not be used as a shield to prevent transparency in cases involving potential gross negligence and the loss of life.