The woman who quit the role as the new boss of Canberra Hospital within days of her appointment reportedly never quit her former job in the Northern Territory, as mystery around her departure remains.
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Janet Anderson was appointed chief executive of the Canberra Health Services on September 3, but quit just days later, citing personal reasons.
The NT News reported that Ms Anderson is now back working in her old job in the Northern Territory and, according to the department, she never quit.
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In the ACT Legislative Assembly last week the opposition health spokeswoman Vicki Dunne questioned the true reason for Ms Anderson's departure.
"It has been said that the CEO gave personal reasons for leaving, but is that entirely the case, Madam Speaker?" Mrs Dunne said.
"We have thought about this, and we have discussed it at length and with a number of people.
"No-one can come up with the sort of personal reason that would cause someone to stand in front of the media on Monday and by Wednesday night decide that she could not possibly hold down this job.
"What was so profound that it led her to resign before she even saw her desk? What was it? And what was said to her, and by whom?
"Who has the most to gain from her departure or her non-starting?"
Questions about Ms Anderson's appointment to Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris were redirected to the head of service, who was responsible for the recruitment of Ms Anderson.
Ms Fitzharris reportedly had nothing to do with Ms Anderson's appointment.
She said she did not speak to stakeholders about the appointment in the days after she was appointed.
The ACT government was asked if it was under the impression Ms Anderson had quit her job, responding that her employment arrangements in the NT were a matter for her.
The government was also asked if it had discussions with anyone from the NT government before Ms Anderson's appointment.
The spokeswoman responded: "Appropriate due diligence processes were undertaken as part of the recruitment processes".
The government was also asked when it was decided Ms Anderson would not commence in the role.
"Discussions were taking place with Ms Anderson from 3 September with the announcement made on 6 September that she not commence in October," a spokeswoman said.
Ms Fitzharris told the Assembly last week that she believed Ms Anderson did sign a contract for the ACT role she was due to take up on October 1.
The NT News reported Ms Anderson is currently employed by Territory Families as the Reform Management Office’s chief co-ordinator - the same role she held before being announced as an ACT Health boss.
When asked who was in the role, the paper was told by Territory Families Ms Anderson had never resigned from the role.
After coming to Canberra for the announcement of her appointment on September 3, Ms Anderson flew back to the Northern Territory that evening.
By the morning of September 6, the government confirmed she would no longer be taking the job.
"Due to personal circumstances, Janet has advised that she is no longer able to take up this appointment. We understand that she genuinely regrets having to withdraw from her appointment and wish her all the best for her future," an ACT government spokeswoman said at the time.
A temporary replacement, Bernadette McDonald, has been announced as the interim CEO of Canberra Health Services, to take the role on Monday.
The role is a new position created for the split of ACT Health into two organisation, to happen on Monday.
