Yesterday’s budget was another clear example that the Rockliff Government doesn’t hold health as a priority.
After almost 10 years of this minority Liberal Government, the health system is the worse it’s ever been and literally being held together by sticky tape.
Instead of adequately funding the $580 million stage 2 redevelopment of the Launceston General Hospital, only $8 million was allocated in the next financial year and $83.7 million overall, falling significantly short of the funding needed for the project.
While this government can put a plan together, it is clear it can’t deliver on the investment required.
There was no funding in the budget to keep St Helen’s Hospital doors open or to replace the mental health services and beds lost when it closes at the end of next month. There was no funding for the additional mother and baby beds needed across the state.
Yet again, our workers have been left behind with the budget failing to provide additional support for the workforce, whose pleas to Premier and Health Minister Jeremy Rockliff for more doctors, nurses and paramedics have fallen on deaf ears.
The government could have eased the pressure on the ambulance service if it had budgeted to make the 33 inter paramedics the state lost in March permanent.
If the minority Liberal Government hasn’t addressed the health crisis in 10 years, they never will.
Anita Dow MP
Shadow Minister for Health