$325M rescue package to revive Tasmania’s public health system

$325M RESCUE PACKAGE TO REVIVE TASMANIA’S PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM

The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, has welcomed the Federal Government’s $325m rescue package for Tasmania’s public health system.

Mr Wilkie acknowledged the speed with which the Federal Government responded to his plea for help.

“As a result of the lengthy consultations undertaken with a broad range of health professionals by the Federal Health Minister, I’m hopeful the federal assistance package will go a long way towards taking the state’s public health system off the critical list,” Mr Wilkie said.

“At the pointy end there is the establishment of walk-in clinics to take pressure off hospital emergency departments, as well as a blitz on elective surgery that will deliver an extra 2,600 operations over four years. According to the State Government these additional elective procedures will largely reverse the recent cuts.

“And just as importantly there’s funding for care in the community, preventative health, mental health, administrative processes and innovation in clinical services.

“I’m also pleased the package includes a Commission on Tasmanian Government Delivery of Health Services, because this funding lifeline will count for little unless it’s followed by genuine reform to put Tasmania’s public health system on a more sustainable footing.

“I first raised the urgent need for a federal funding lifeline with the Prime Minister when I met with her in her Sydney office on Tuesday 1 May this year. I then followed this up with written proposals on 8 and 9 May.

“On 18 May the Federal Health Minister flew to Hobart and we discussed how the Federal Government could help return the state’s public health system to a sustainable footing.

“In parallel I’ve also been involved in discussions with the Leader of the House of Representatives about the financial aspects of any federal lifeline, including the GST treatment, as well as with the Tasmanian Premier and State Health Minister.’’