As pressure grows on Health Minister Michael Ferguson to answer questions over hospital funding, Labor Leader Bryan Green has criticised the Minister’s attack on the proponents of the CenoTas project.
In an opinion piece for the Mercury, Mr Ferguson derided the CenoTas proposal.
“Dean Coleman and his team put forward a bold project and they’ve been disparaged by the Liberal Government,” Mr Green said.
“This sends a very worrying message to developers who want to invest in Tasmania.
“Instead of working with the CenoTas consortium, Michael Ferguson has decided to run down the project in the local paper.
“It’s not the behaviour of a mature government and it’s certainly not the behaviour of a government claiming to be open for business.
“The CenoTas consortium deserves nothing but praise for putting forward a bold plan and consulting with hundreds of stakeholders.
“It doesn’t deserve to be on the receiving end of pot shots from a minister who cannot handle criticism.
“Michael Ferguson needs to come out today and explain where he will find the additional $70 million needed for the redevelopment.
“He has also failed to stand up to Tony Abbott over a predicted $86 million dollar hit to the health budget due to a worsening federal budget position.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader
