Media release – Guy Barnett, Attorney General, Minister for Justice, Minister for Health, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Member for Lyons, 19 March 2024
Ramping Ban First Stage Implementation
I note the Industrial Commission’s request for further consultations on the first phase of the Rockliff Liberal Government’s ramping ban.
It is important to note the 60 minute protocol successfully commenced in the North West on March 11th and will begin at the Royal Hobart Hospital next week.
We will continue to work closely with clinicals, unions and hospital management to provide the support they need to ensure the 60 minute protocol is implemented effectively and safely.
Only a re-elected majority Rockliff Liberal Government will ban ramping. Labor and the Greens have given up on ramping.
Ramping Ban First Stage Implementation
This afternoon on further consideration of the Industrial Commission’s decision, the Health Department has advised me that the order for additional consultation on the implementation of the Government’s ramping ban will apply statewide.
We remain 100 per cent committed to implementation of this policy and as we have always said will continue to work closely with clinicians, unions and hospital management to provide the support they need to ensure the 60 minute protocol is implemented effectively and safely.
Media release – Dean Winter MP, 19 March 2024
Health Department ramps Liberals’ “ramping ban”
Jeremy Rockliff’s signature health policy is in even more of a mess this afternoon after the Health Department blocked implementation of his so-called “ramping ban” around the state.
The Liberals were crowing earlier today about going ahead with their ill-advised policy, despite the Industrial Commission’s ruling blocking its implementation because there had been insufficient consultation.
But in an embarrassing backdown this afternoon, the Health Minister Guy Barnett has admitted that the Health Department has had to advise him that additional consultation will apply state-wide, meaning the “ramping ban” cannot go ahead.
It is clear that ambulance ramping is having a terrible impact on both paramedics and patients, but fixing it can’t be achieved by glib three-word slogans.
If the Liberals had bothered to engage respectfully with all stakeholders to provide genuine solutions across the health system, they would not be in the hole they’ve dug for themselves.
Instead, after 10 years of failed health policy, which has seen ramping increase by 500 per cent, Jeremy Rockliff has no health policy at all and his lack of respect for health professionals is on full display.
It’s time for a better future. Tasmanian Labor has been working closely with health professionals, taking a whole-of-system and whole-of-hospital approach so we can begin to address ramping and other issues with our health system.
Media release – Rosalie Woodruff MP, Greens Leader, 19 March 2024
Greens Release Ambulance Ramping, Access, and Flow Plan
On behalf of the Greens, I was proud to stand with the Health and Community Services Union today to launch our Ambulance Ramping, Access, and Flow Plan – a 50 point strategy that tackles both the causes and effects of ambulance ramping in Tasmania.
The parliamentary inquiry into ambulance ramping, established and chaired by the Greens, amplified the voices of health workers and patients, and exposed the shocking statistics that had always been kept hidden. It showed the deep harm being caused by Liberal politicians who have refused to properly invest in and manage the health system.
While chairing the ambulance ramping inquiry I heard many dozens of harrowing stories from Tasmanians. However, the inquiry also heard about the possibilities that exist for real change.
The Liberals have neglected the crisis in hospitals and ambulance services for years. The pressure created by the parliamentary inquiry has now pushed them into announcing some new measures, but unfortunately their main response has been a three-word slogan.
The Greens recognise there are real challenges and complexities in the health system, which is why we’ve been working so hard to engage with stakeholders, understand the evidence provided to the ramping inquiry, consult with unions and staff, and consider initiatives from across the country. The result of this intensive work is a 50 point plan that would make a real difference to fixing the issues in ambulance ramping, access, and flow.
Our plan focuses on what is required to make a difference across a range of key areas. We understand there’s no silver bullet for this issue, which is why we’ve developed this plan. It includes actions to address staff shortages, keep people out of hospital, increase hospital capacity, improve hospital flow and discharge, reduce ambulance response times, invest in preventative health, and make the system transparent.
The Liberals have left the crisis in health get so bad that unfortunately people are starting to wonder if there’s anything that can be done. But our message is clear – change is possible. And with this plan we’ve shown a way forward.
With a new government and the Greens in balance of power we’ll fight to stop the stadium and to push for real action on ambulance ramping and the wider health crisis.
Read the plan here.
