STATE GOVERNMENT PUTS MORE HEALTH JOBS AT RISK

The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, has hit out at Tasmanian State Government inaction over nurses’ jobs.

“There is a real risk the seven Psychiatric Emergency Nurses (PEN) employed at the Royal Hobart Hospital will lose their jobs in early July if the State Government doesn’t seize the funding lifeline offered by Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek,” Mr Wilkie said.

“Tanya Plibersek told me personally two weeks ago she had spoken to Tasmanian Health Minister Michelle O’Byrne and advised her that Tasmania could move unspent money from another federal health program across to continue to fund the PEN positions.

“But here we are weeks later and nothing has happened with the result that seven highly trained medical professionals could needlessly lose their jobs.

“This is dreadful news for the psychiatric nurses as well as the members of the community who benefit greatly from the presence of the nurses in the Emergency Department.

“It’s also another example of the State Government’s disregard for both jobs and the health of the community.

“The State Government, and in particular Michelle O’Byrne, needs to resolve this matter now and immediately let the nurses know that has been achieved.”
Andrew Wilkie MP, Independent Member for Denison