Shadow Health Minister Rebecca White has asked how Tasmanians can have faith in Michael Ferguson’s ability to balance the health budget when he spends $8000 on media releases and $23,000 on office re-fits, all while refusing to detail how he will make savings.
It was revealed today in Budget Estimates that Mr Ferguson contracted a private media consultant to draft a press release and key spin lines for $8000 in the wake of Jane Holden’s departure from the THO.
“Mr Ferguson has media advisers available in his ministerial office, in DHHS and the THO that he could have used.
“He must justify why he instead signed off on what was effectively an $8000 press release.”
Mr Ferguson then admitted spending $23,000 refitting his new ministerial office.
“In the wake of the $800 luxury taxi he caught from Launceston to Hobart for a press conference, how can Tasmanians believe Michael Ferguson will manage the health budget as he spends so foolishly?” Ms White asked.
“Mr Ferguson stonewalled repeated questioning on how he will make savings in health yet the only things he would admit to is wasting money on a private spin doctor and refitting his new ministerial office.
“The Treasurer clearly needs to confiscate Mr Ferguson’s taxpayer funded credit card.”
Rebecca White MP Shadow Health Minister
