Rebecca White Off The Mark Again

Claims by Labor’s Rebecca White that the Liberal Government is planning to privatise residential and acute beds at the Midlands Multi-Purpose Health Centre are wrong, alarmist and irresponsible.

This Government is committed to our rural hospital services and this commitment has not changed – we are committed to a viable Midlands Multi-Purpose Health Centre.

The Centre has a valued role providing care for the Southern Midlands community, and indeed all Tasmanians given its location on the State’s main arterial highway.

Last night, I met with members of the Southern Midlands Council, the Southern Midlands community and health care professionals at Oatlands.

We had a productive discussion and I am pleased that all parties have agreed to work constructively to improve the Centre.

Unlike Labor, we are working with our rural and regional communities to enhance their role in the community, providing care and as employers.

When Labor were in Government, they attempted to close or downgrade rural hospitals, including Rosebery and Ouse.

At a time when major reform and new thinking is required to deal with the health mess we have inherited, Ms White’s desperate scare campaign is a very disappointing contribution.
Michael Ferguson, Minister for Health