The Hodgman Government has today refused to rule out that it will be cutting around $50 million out of Tasmania’s hospitals and the health system.
The Treasurer announced $450 million in cuts to essential jobs and services in the State Budget but has kept the details hidden.
Shadow Health Minister Sarah Lovell said cutting tens of millions of dollars from the health budget would lead to more needless deaths in our hospitals and health system.
“Everyone knows the health system is in crisis,” Ms Lovell said.
“What sort of Premier would tick off on cutting $50 million in jobs and services from our hospitals and the broader health system?
“This will mean more pressure on dedicated ambos, doctors, nurses and health professionals.
“Will Hodgman and Peter Gutwein have driven the budget into debt and Tasmanian people and their families will have to pay for it.
“The Government’s own secret reports show that health is underfunded by $100 million a year and still they are planning more cuts.
“The Premier’s priorities are clear – if it’s a choice between saving lives and saving his Treasurer from an embarrassing budget deficit, he’ll back Mr Gutwein over Tasmanians everyday.”
Sarah Lovell MP
Shadow Health Minister
