'Toxic' workplace led to bungled rollout of health IT system, NT inquiry finds
A parliamentary inquiry has released its report into the Northern Territory's $335 million Acacia IT health patient record system, finding the culture within an NT government department contributed to the project's failings.
A toxic workplace culture within the Northern Territory Department of Corporate and Digital Development (DCDD) contributed to the flawed rollout of a $335 million health patient record system, known as Acacia, according to a parliamentary inquiry. The 200-page report also highlighted the suicide of a senior contractor, Shaun Joyce, as a symbol of the staff's distressing experiences.
The inquiry found that the toxic culture within Acacia negatively impacted the project's cost and delivery, causing high turnover and loss of institutional knowledge. Furthermore, the committee expressed concern over the high reliance on contractors, with around 80% of the workforce falling into this category. The report recommended strict cost controls and urged the DCDD to review its induction process for contractors, ensuring they are aware of their health and safety rights.
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