Expensive watches, work bags and gold-plated stationary claimed in SA Health scheme

South Australia's ICAC has made eight recommendations about an SA Health scheme. (Independent Commissioner Against Corruption SA)

An anti-corruption evaluation has uncovered what public sector medical officers in South Australia have claimed under professional development reimbursements.

Some of the expenditure includes $12,000 to attend a wellness retreat, more than $7,000 for a work bag and a watch valued at almost $23,000.

The ICAC commissioner made eight recommendations, which has been accepted by the health department boss.

A luxury watch, gold-plated stationery and a $7,000 "work bag" are among reimbursements claimed by South Australian public medical officers, as the state's anti-corruption watchdog issues a call for better governance.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Emma Townsend released her report following a six-month evaluation of how professional development funds for public medical officers were being managed.

It found SA Health spent $64 million on professional development reimbursements for public sector medical officers in the 12 months to April 2026.

One medical officer claimed four Apple watches, five tablets/iPads, four mobile phones and four laptops totalling $68,600 over four years.

Another medical officer claimed more than $49,000 for four watches over three consecutive years, including one watch which was valued at almost $23,000.

One of the claims uncovered was $12,000 for accommodation for four nights to attend a wellness retreat in Bali, while another was a five-night stay for four guests at Disneyland that cost $3,400.

A medical officer claimed $68,600 in electronic devices including four Apple watches. File image. ( ABC News: Cason Ho )

Other examples uncovered during the evaluation include $1,200 for three gold-plated stationery items, $4,699 for an ergonomic chair and $1,260 for fountain pen and ink cartridge.

ICAC Commissioner Emma Townsend said staff had a broad interpretation of what constituted professional development and there was a need for more clarity.

She said in line with their respective enterprise agreements, interns, medical practitioners and registrars were entitled to be reimbursed for professional development expenses up to $10,000 per annum, while consultants can claim up to $23,000 per year.

"There is no doubt that the lack of clarity has contributed to the wide range of claims identified during the evaluation, including examples that, on the surface, appear to blur the line between professional and personal benefit," she said.

"While those claims may have amounted to p