Labor Leader Bryan Green today accused the Liberal State Government of privatising hospital services by stealth on the North-West.
“The Government cannot be allowed to get away with outsourcing jobs at the Mersey and North West Regional Hospitals,” Mr Green said.
“The Liberals have a track record of privatisation when they are under pressure, just as they did in the past when they sold the women’s hospital in Hobart and the Mersey.
“Now the Hodgman Government is attacking our health services from within the system.
“We are talking about the jobs of close to100 people and they are very concerned because Health Minister Michael Ferguson will not rule out outsourcing the services they provide at both hospitals.
The Tasmanian Health Service is currently reviewing food and domestic services, communications, facilities management, biomedical engineering and property management and maintenance.
Mr Green met people working at the hospitals yesterday after they decided to take industrial action in a bid to get answers from Mr Ferguson.
“It takes courage to make a stand and Labor will back these people and their jobs to the hilt.
“Workers at the hospitals simply want their concerns addressed by Mr Ferguson which he is refusing to do.
“If the workers have nothing to worry about why won’t Mr Ferguson just come out and say it?
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader
