Flett quits WA health dept

WA Health Department boss Peter Flett has resigned from his $540,000-a-year job just one year into a five-year contract.

WA Business News understands that a difference of opinion between Dr Flett and Treasurer Troy Buswell over the Health Department's budget has been the catalyst for the decision, although the state's highest paid public servant refused to give a definitive reason.

Tensions are said to have boiled over yesterday when Mr Buswell publicly criticised Dr Flett while delivering the state government's mid-year financial review.

Mr Buswell said it was unacceptable for Dr Flett to tell a recent parliamentary inquiry that his agency could need an extra $200 million this financial year, which led Dr Flett to request a meeting with Premier Colin Barnett.

It is understood in that meeting Dr Flett tendered his resignation but that was rejected by Mr Barnett.

Today, Dr Flett said he will remain in the position until early January.