It
has been more than three and a half years since the Liberal Government promised
27 mental health beds for Southern Tasmania, and they are still yet to be
delivered.
Shadow
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Anita Dow said there was still
no answer on when the beds would be built.
“Today
in Parliament, Health Minister Jeremy Rockliff failed to update the House on
when these crucial mental health beds will be delivered,” Ms Dow said.
“Over
three and a half years ago, failed former Health Minister Michael Ferguson made
a promise that these beds would be delivered by 2019.
“Yet,
despite being pledged for delivery over two years ago, last week’s Budget has
pushed the completion date out to 2024.
“Tasmanians
are currently struggling to access mental health inpatient services and these
unacceptable delays do nothing to instil confidence in the Government’s ongoing
commitments to provide more mental health services to Tasmanians.
“Why do Tasmanians have to wait longer for this very important service?”
Anita Dow MP
Shadow Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing
