RHH: A tragedy on all fronts

The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, said that he is disappointed and frustrated that the rebuild of the Royal Hobart Hospital, for which he secured a $340 million Commonwealth Government contribution, has been further delayed.

”It is clear to all that this project was reduced to a shambles by the former Labor-Green State Government,’’ Mr Wilkie said.

“The previous Premier and Health Minister both failed to show strong political leadership, the result being that millions of dollars have been spent already and the rebuild is two years behind schedule.

“This is a tragedy on all fronts: the Tasmanian people are being denied the very best in health care; the economic benefits and construction jobs the rebuild would bring have not materialised; and the state’s reputation as a place to invest and build has been damaged.

“I was briefed in detail this morning by the new Minister for Health, Michael Ferguson, and I appreciate the frankness of those discussions. It is not Mr Ferguson’s fault he finds himself with this mess, but it is his job now to fix it.

“My sole interest here is the outcome – the very best hospital. I am prepared to give the new government every opportunity to rescue the project and get it back on track, so I do understand the need to pause and re-plan the rebuild.

“I, and the Tasmanian public, now must pin our faith on the Premier, Will Hodgman, and Mr Ferguson to deliver the hospital we need.

“The community can be assured that I will continue to watch this project carefully and hold the new Government to account.”

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