Health Minister Michael Ferguson must commit to a fresh round of community consultation prior to bedding down changes to clinical services.
Labor Leader Bryan Green attended the health forums in Hobart and Burnie and said there’s a desperate need for more information.
“I put the modest turnouts in both Hobart and Burnie down to the fact that Tasmanians don’t understand what the Government is proposing,” Mr Green said.
“Michael Ferguson is broadly consulting now but he’s not being upfront about exactly what’s planned.
“It is clear from reading the Green Paper that the Government is preparing to rationalise healthcare, which will inevitably result in changes to the mix of services patients can access in their local area. While in some cases this may be entirely appropriate, the community deserves to have a say before decisions are locked in.
“Michael Ferguson’s current consultation tour is premature because he hasn’t outlined what’s actually being proposed.
“If Tasmanians were given a better understanding of what reform might mean for their communities, I’m sure they would come out in force to debate the proposals.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader
