• Knee-jerk response after Premier admits there’s a Health Crisis
• Desperate Health Minister trying to distract from his own poor performance
• No funding for new “beds team” which was not announced in Budget measures
Health Minister Michael Ferguson has finally admitted that there are not enough beds at the Royal Hobart Hospital, a day after the Premier acknowledged there was a Health Crisis.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said while the belated acknowledgement was welcome, there was no extra funding to support the Minister’s New Beds Implementation Team.
“It appears the Minister has made today’s announcement to distract from his performance in Budget Estimates,” Ms White said.
“There was no mention of the Minister’s new team during last week’s Budget.
“Clearly the Health Minister has been spooked into appearing to taking action.
“In Monday’s Estimates even the Premier acknowledged there is a crisis in our hospitals.
“While Labor welcomes Mr Ferguson admitting there’s a problem, we’d prefer to see thought-out, thorough policy to tackle the Health Crisis.
“Labor has outlined its policy to invest $88 million in extra health funding above and beyond the government to tackle the issues facing our health service.
“We have consulted with health professionals and patients when developing our policy.
“It seems the Government has no specific plan to improve health outcomes for Tasmania beyond a media strategy to try to deflect from Michael Ferguson’s poor performance.
“Labor has a comprehensive Better Health Plan to keep Tasmanians healthier for longer, treated faster and home sooner.”
Rebecca White MP Labor Leader
