Shadow Health Minister Rebecca White today accused Health Minister Michael Ferguson of dodging questions over planned cuts to Tasmania’s Jack Jumper Allergy Program.
“Mr Ferguson will not say whether the Burnie clinic will remain open raising serious questions over its commitment to maintaining the program,” Ms White said.
“478 patients have received treatment under the program and lives have been saved.
“The fact there were four deaths in the decade prior to the program being introduced in 2003 demonstrates its importance.
“Mr Ferguson has been caught out by reports funding will be cut from the Jack Jumper Allergy Program which is likely to force the closure of the Burnie clinic.
“It clearly shows the Government has been planning for some time to swing the axe on front line health jobs and that vital public services are in jeopardy.
“Preventative health care is obviously not a priority of this Government.
“Tasmania is the only place in Australia where jack Jumper anti-venom is kept, we know the program works and it is acclaimed nationally.”
Rebecca White MP Shadow Health and Human Services Minister
