The Tasmanian Greens said that the Health Minister Michelle O’Byrne was failing to adequately push the case for a single-funder health model with her Federal counterpart Tanya Plibersek, putting in jeopardy the long-term viability of the state’s health system.
During Budget Estimates today, Greens Health spokesperson Paul O’Halloran MP called on the Minister to provide details of what representations she had made to the Federal Government to help drive this vital and overdue reform.
“A ‘very preliminary discussion’ just doesn’t cut it,” Mr O’Halloran said.
“The Minister responded that she had not provided a formal submission to her Federal counterpart because there was no point pushing the case for a single funder trial in Tasmania until the Federal Government completes its National Health Reforms in July this year.”
“While it was positive that the Minister acknowledged the valuable work done by the Greens with stakeholders on the issue of a single funder model, she needs to pick up the pace and make sure a formal State submission is ready to go in July.”
“Shifting to a single funder health model is inevitable, but it appears that the Minister is failing to grasp the seriousness of the situation we are facing with our health system in Tasmania.”
“Tasmania’s health system is facing a funding crisis, and without decisive action to address healthcare costs we face a situation where the cost of delivering Health will soon outstrip the entire State Budget.”
“It has been identified that a single funder model would help address funding inequities and inefficiencies, remove duplication and reduce waste, all of which are hampering our ability to get health onto a sustainable footing.”
“It’s disappointing that Labor has not made this a priority up to now, and it’s even more disappointing that during today’s hearing the Liberals were more interested in negative grandstanding than constructive solutions for health,” Mr O’Halloran said.
Paul O’Halloran MP Greens Health Spokesperson Tuesday, 29 May 2012
