Big questions to answer over health reform funding

The Liberal Government has not explained how its proposed health reforms will be adequately funded.

Shadow Health Minister Rebecca White said the health system is staring down the barrel of a funding crisis.

“We know the State Government is cutting more than $210 million from health across the forward estimates,” Ms White said.

“Combine that cut with the huge hit to services and funding agreements from last year’s Federal Budget which will negatively impact Tasmania for the next decade.

“And there is no guarantee Commonwealth funding for the Mersey Hospital will remain at the current level.

“It’s entirely plausible that a reduction in services at the Mersey will result in less funding from Canberra.

“But with those services being taken up by other hospitals, greater funding will be needed elsewhere.

‘We know the Federal Government’s commitment starts and ends at the Mersey.

“How is Michael Ferguson planning to pay for additional procedures at the RHH and the LGH?

“For the Minister to say his whole reform process is cost neutral defies common sense.

“Any reform package must be underpinned by appropriate funding. Especially when there are huge expectations of the workforce to adapt to new locations and new models for service delivery.

“Huge question marks hang over Mr Ferguson’s plan to further subsidise patient transport and accommodation, including procedures being performed interstate.

“For the Minister to claim the reforms can be funded from improved efficiencies is admirable but neglects the fact the budget is facing cuts year on year and is already doing more with less.”
Rebecca White MP Shadow Health Minister