Philip Crouch
I WRITE this letter to you Premier with a sense of utter indignation, disbelief & once again of being democratically insulted on behalf of all Tasmanians who are not football lovers, economic rationalists, corporate executives or vested ‘Tassie Hawk’ exponents. In context, my concern is for the well being of all health card concession holders living in this state.
As Premier, and an elected servant of the people you have a prime responsibility to develop clear transparent mechanisms for engaging broader community views, beyond sporting & big business interests like ‘Walkers & Ralphs Bay’, ‘Gunns Pulp Mill Fiction’ and the so-called ‘Tassie Hawks’ deal. Your leadership style (?) and governance (?) are setting unhealthy democratic precedents which only further alienate politicians from the broader community — and with respect, leading this state towards an autocratic dictatorship.
In your efforts to financially support sporting developments similar to ‘York Park’, ‘Elwick Race Course,’ and the recent ‘Tassie Hawks’ debacle — to the tune of $15 Million, (to be sourced from ‘treasury’!) you are adding further levels of democratic & citizen alienation in this state. In relation to health concerns I direct your attention towards Professor Hayden’s article as featured in the Hobart Mercury titled ‘Doctors Slam Hawk’s Deal’. In context his article highlighted the financial & economic anomalies that appear in relation to this so-called ‘Tassie Hawks’ proposal:
‘ Prof Walters said ‘ one can only dream of the services this level of funding would provide to Tasmanians. It would certainly address most of the problems facing the RHH…further … the Royal was so outdated that up to $30 million a year was wasted through structural inefficiencies’.
Perhaps the proposed ‘Tassie Hawks’ funding dollars could assist towards alleviating the health crisis in Tasmania on behalf of the thousands of Tasmanians, like myself who are on long term waiting lists for public surgery & dental services.
As a health concession card holder awaiting both hospitalisation at the Royal Hobart Hospital and for a dental health appointment your contempt or real concern for most Tasmanian citizens only adds further frustration to existing health concerns. My disabled step-son who is entitled to an Independent Support Package, ISP, has been told over the past 4 years, on a regular basis ‘there are no funds available’. In fairness to the DHHS & State Health Minister Lara Giddings, a partial reprieve was recently granted to him.
In closing I urge the Premier to fully consult with all Tasmanians before finalising any ‘footy deals’ which will have minimum real benefits for most citizens living in this state. Further, as Minister for Community Development, I urge you, as a priority to develop real identifiable policies & transparent mechanisms which clearly engage all Tasmanians in the decision making processes as these impact on our lives, and for which extend — beyond your current political tenure as Premier of Tasmania.
Yours sincerely
Philip Crouch
Rosny Park
PS: A hard copy of the above has been forwarded by postal mail.
