But while Scott Andrew McMullen has been handed a suspended jail term, his ex-boss may never face justice over his alleged involvement in the nepotism scheme.

McMullen, now employed by South Australian Health, worked in highly stressful and demanding jobs for the Queensland government health service for about 20 years.

That included counselling victims of former Bundaberg surgeon Jayant Patel.

But in mid-2014 he got a new boss, Malcolm Stamp.

He was aggressive, bombastic and wanted a job for his daughter at a time when the public service was still reeling from deep cuts.

McMullen dishonestly helped recruit Mr Stamp's daughter to an unnecessary role in design and media services for about $80,000 a year, the Brisbane District Court was told on Thursday.

Mr Stamp's daughter was paid $26,000 before the wrongdoing was discovered.

McMullen tried to hide what had happened, which resulted in him lying in emails and making false statements.

Following a lengthy investigation by the state's corruption watchdog, McMullen pleaded guilty to two counts of secret commission offences.

On Thursday, Judge Paul Smith sentenced McMullen to a total of two years imprisonment which was fully suspended.

His current employer, SA Health, is aware of the case, the court was told.

Mr Stamp, who now lives in the UK, worked for Queensland Health from 2013 to 2014, when his contract was terminated.

A warrant for his arrest was issued in March 2018 as a result of the same investigation which netted McMullen.

But the warrant will not be activated until he returns to Australia.

Australian Associated Press