Biggest Ever Boost to Health

25th May, 2017

Michael Ferguson, Minister for Health

The health of all Tasmanians is a top priority for the Hodgman Liberal Government, which is why we’re boosting health funding to over $7 billion in the State Budget.

This represents a record increase of $658 million over four years - an increase of $1.3 billion compared to the last Labor-Green Budget in 2013-14.

We’re Building Tasmania’s Future with better hospitals and health services, significantly increasing bed numbers and employing more nurses and doctors.

The $7 billion recurrent investment in health means:

• 106 more beds and more hospital staff across Tasmania - $144.4 million;
• Securing and boosting mental health services across the state - $16 million;
• Continuing to implement our One Health System reforms - $16.9 million;
• Establishing a THS Statewide Operations and Command Centre to deliver better care - $6 million;
• Securing a second medical and police search and rescue helicopter - $9 million; and
• Rolling out the medical cannabis Controlled Access Scheme - $3.75 million.

The 2017-18 Budget also demonstrates a focus on major hospital and health infrastructure, with a massive $493.7 million investment in a range of projects including:

• The Royal Hobart Hospital Redevelopment - $388.7 million;
• Mersey Community Hospital upgrade - $35 million;
• Hospital upgrades and maintenance across the state - $17.9 million;
• Glenorchy and Kingston health centres - $12.5 million;
• Launceston General Hospital 4K children’s ward - $7.7 million;
• A new ward at the Hobart Repatriation Hospital - $7 million; and
• A new St Helens District Hospital - $11.4 million.

As we have shown throughout our first term, the Hodgman Government has always been willing to do what we must to provide Tasmanians with the health care they need and deserve.

With ongoing record health investment we are getting on with the job – we’re redeveloping the Royal Hobart Hospital, employing more nurses and doctors and opening more beds.