Michael Ferguson must explain plan for health black hole

Health Minister Michael Ferguson must explain what a funding black hole of more than $150 million means for Tasmania’s health system.

Health analyst Martin Goddard estimates the hit to Tasmania’s health budget will be $86 million, following the release of the Midyear Economic and Fiscal Outlook.

This is on top of a $70 million increase to the cost of the Royal Hobart Hospital redevelopment.

Shadow Health Minister Rebecca White says now is the time for an open and honest conversation about the challenges we face.

“Michael Ferguson has said nothing about this latest decrease in federal funding which will have an inevitable impact on health service delivery,” Ms White said.

“We’re ready for a constructive discussion about what these changes mean for our hospitals and health services in regional areas, but Mr Ferguson must show leadership and explain how he intends to tackle the challenges we now face.

“If the Federal Government disputes Mr Goddard’s calculations, Minister Peter Dutton should demonstrate why Tasmania won’t be worse off.”
Rebecca White MP Shadow Health Minister