Gutwein and Courtney’s Royal embarrassment

Tasmanian Labor
  • K-block delayed again
  • RHH redevelopment going from bad to worse
  • Liberals still cannot say when beds will be open
  • After another embarrassing back-down today, it is clear that Peter Gutewin and Sarah Courtney have no idea when new beds will be opened and available for patients at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

    The Liberals announced today that they would not meet their latest deadline for practical completion of the hospital, after claiming as recently as Saturday that it was on track.

    Shadow Health Minister, Sarah Lovell, said this was either a straight up lie or mismanagement of the highest order, or more likely, both.

    “We have been told for six months that the hospital would be opened imminently, and beds would be open to patients,” Ms Lovell said.

    “Even after serious concerns were raised by workers regarding lead contamination of the water at K-block, Peter Gutwein and Sarah Courtney still said there was no problem.

    “Today we learn that despite all the assurances, the hospital has again been delayed and they have no idea when beds will be available.

    “This was supposed to be open in 2018. The Liberals can’t absolve themselves of responsibility here.

    “There are many reasons for this delay but at the top of the list are Michael Ferguson, Sarah Courtney and Peter Gutwein.

    “The redevelopment is one of Tasmania’s largest infrastructure projects. It’s the Government’s only solution to all of the problems affecting the health system. And still, we see chaos, delays and a deliberate strategy to avoid accountability.

    “This is a disgrace, and Tasmanians deserve a clear answer on when it will be open.”

    Sarah Lovell MLC – Shadow Minister for Health

    /Public Release. View in full here.