Serious doubts over proposed health reforms

Labor Leader Bryan Green said today there are already serious doubts over how Michael Ferguson’s proposed health reforms will be implemented and funded.

“The reality is that Mr Ferguson’s approach to health is not matched by the Liberals’ promises,” Mr Green said.

“The facts are that the Liberals are cutting front line health jobs and slashing more than $210 million from hospital budgets.

“Where is the money going to come from to implement these reforms, will more jobs and services be cut and what will the true impact be on health in regional communities around Tasmania?

“Mr Ferguson simply can’t answer these fundamental questions.

“Mr Ferguson sounds more like a snake oil salesman than a Health Minister.

“The Liberals are asking Tasmanians to take them on trust but their broken promises show they can’t be trusted.

Mr Green said he was concerned the North-West Coast would bear the brunt of cuts to health services.

“The future of maternity services at the Mersey Community Hospital and how the new cancer centre in Burnie will operate are just two examples of the great unknown.

“It makes a lie of statements from the likes of Brett Whiteley who is on the public record as saying he wants more people to be treated and more services at the Mersey.

“Even Prime Minister Tony Abbott is on the record as saying people should not be “trucked off’’ from the Mersey to other hospitals.

Mr Green said compensation for patient travel was a potential nightmare.

“How will people qualify for assistance and how will it be administered with a shrinking health workforce.

“There are serious doubts the Department of Health and Human Services has the human or financial resources to manage the reforms and the Liberals have no one to blame but themselves.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader