Newly installed Health Minister Sarah Courtney is yet to front Tasmanians to detail how she will fix the mess she has inherited from her failed predecessor Michael Ferguson.
Shadow Health Minister Sarah Lovell said despite shocking revelations this week that ambulance paramedics were under such pressure a family member was forced to drive an ambulance to the Royal Hobart Hospital, Ms Courtney was being kept hidden behind closed doors.
“It’s not acceptable that Ms Courtney has not faced this important issue – among many, many others in the health and hospital system – and is refusing to answer questions,” Ms Lovell said.
“The fact that failed Health Minister Michael Ferguson has been dumped from the critical health portfolio after plunging it into crisis does not mean that crisis has gone away and in fact the situation is worsening.
“Ms Courtney has a huge job to do to fix Mr Ferguson’s mess and she needs to come out today to give Tasmanians a guarantee that she will be demanding more funding from the Treasurer and the Premier.
“She must tell Tasmanians that she is willing to do what her failed predecessor refused to do – and that is listen to health professionals, particularly those at the frontline, to find solutions to the crisis.”
Sarah Lovell MLC
Shadow Health Minister
