Another day, another false scare from the unions (the Real Opposition) and Ms White (the wannabe Leader of the Opposition).
Just because the unions and Ms White say something does not make it true.
Nor are the unions acting in any way other than to support Labor’s political agenda.
The facts are:
1. The number of ambulance meal allowances paid in 2014-15 was 11,414. That is substantially lower than in 2012-13 – the last full financial year of the Labor Green Government – when 13,738 allowances were paid.
2. That means last year there was 2,324 meal allowances LESS paid than under Labor and the Greens.
3. As confirmed at Estimates ramping at the Royal Hobart Hospital, was DOWN by between 43 and 90 percent, compared to under Labor and the Greens.
4. We are employing a large new cohort of paramedics right now, with 17 employees to commence induction with Ambulance Tasmania on 28 September. This includes staff members for a new permanent Ambulance Station at Oatlands, which will be operational in coming months.
5. Importantly, the Hodgman Liberal Government will also employ more paramedics on top of this as part of the state-wide health reform process, with 12 to be stationed in the North West and three in Launceston (including relief).
6. As we’ve said before, Ambulance Tasmania’s overtime bill is at a five-year low.
It’s time Ms White and the unions were held to account for the constant false claims. We’re fixing Labor’s mess, including working on the long standing challenge of ambulance ramping and busy emergency departments, yet all they can do is criticise and snipe from the sidelines.
Michael Ferguson, Minister for Health
