Irresponsible Health Minister needs to go after new meningococcal coverup

• Michael Ferguson must answer why he kept information about new diagnosis from the public
• Tasmanians have right to know about notifiable diseases in the community
• Health Minister’s determination to keep Tasmanians in the dark is appalling
• Weak Premier Hodgman must step in and sack Ferguson
Reckless Health Minister Michael Ferguson must explain why he didn’t tell Tasmanians about a fourth patient confirmed with meningococcal when he addressed the media yesterday.
Shadow Health Minister Sarah Lovell said it was appalling and unacceptable that Minister Ferguson had ignored his duty to inform the state of a new diagnosis of the notifiable disease.
“After five days of saying nothing – including wilfully withholding information that families need about meningococcal strains – Michael Ferguson has now wilfully withheld critical information about this new confirmed case,” Ms Lovell said.
“Mr Ferguson addressed the cameras at 1.30pm yesterday, 15 minutes after an email was sent to clinical staff, confirming the latest case and warning them to be vigilant.
“Michael Ferguson has not only been missing in action on this extremely important issue, he has supressed the flow of information crucial to families and all Tasmanians.
“When did he find out about this latest confirmation? Why didn’t he notify Tasmanians? Had he shared this information with the Premier who was standing beside him yesterday and, if so, why didn’t the Premier release this information?
“It’s clear Tasmania is now facing a very dire situation with this serious, preventable disease and Michael Ferguson is either incapable of understanding that or doesn’t care about the health of Tasmanians.
“In either circumstance, Tasmanians need no more proof that Michael Ferguson is not up for the job, he is not interested in their health and the Premier must overcome his weakness, act and stand him aside.”
Sarah Lovell MLC Shadow Health and Preventative Health Care Minister