CHIEF Minister Katy Gallagher and ACT Greens Leader Meredith Hunter today refused to deny a secret meeting about the emergency department scandal before the community was informed, says Opposition spokesperson for Health, Jeremy Hanson.

Mr Hanson seeked to move a motion this morning for a Board of Inquiry into the manipulation of emergency department data at the Canberra Hospital.

He also seeked to censure the Chief Minister for repeatedly misleading the community about ACT’s emergency departments, however both moves were voted against by Labor and the Greens.

The scandal, which started more than a week ago, surrounds a senior administrator at the Canberra Hospital who was stood down after it was discovered that she had changed data in the emergency department for small improvements on waiting and treatment times.

Chief Minister Katy Gallagher admitted she had worked with the administrator on a professional level and the administrator had a personal relationship with one of her family members.

During this morning’s debate, it was revealed by the Opposition that Ms Gallagher and Ms Hunter were seen together at lunch for a “private briefing” before the public was informed.

“The ACT Greens today once again prioritised their political allegiance to ACT Labor above the community by refusing to hold Labor to account on falsified emergency department data,” Mr Hanson said .

“It is now apparent why, after Katy Gallagher and Meredith Hunter refused to deny a secret meeting between the two of them about the scandal that occurred before the community was informed.

“Both leaders should now explain to Canberrans: What was discussed at the secret meeting?; What agreements were made between the two parties?; Do they believe it was appropriate for the Greens to be informed about this scandal before the community?

“It is blatantly clear that ACT Labor hasn’t been upfront with Canberrans about this issue and Katy Gallagher and Meredith Hunter now need to explain what deals were made in an attempt to avoid proper scrutiny.”