Update on The Hobart Clinic

The Tasmanian Government is continuing to work through potential transitional options to keep The Hobart Clinic operating.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer said while Labor focuses on politics, our number one priority is the health and wellbeing of Tasmanians.

“Following the roundtable on Thursday, I can confirm the Government received correspondence from The Hobart Clinic Board late on Friday," Minister Archer said.

“While The Hobart Clinic has previously advised it intended to close even if public funding was provided, I am encouraged they are now open to options to keep the Clinic operating.

“Following their correspondence, I can confirm work is underway on potential transitional arrangements.

“This is a complex situation and it is vitally important that the appropriate due diligence around this be undertaken, noting the Government has no role to play in the governance operations of a private organisation, nor would it be appropriate for the Government to influence any such arrangements.

“We are working through this process as quickly as possible and I will ensure Tasmanians are kept updated on developments as they occur."

While this is being worked through, the Government is also exploring other medium and longer term options regarding mental health services in Tasmania.

“Discussions are underway with other private providers to potentially step into the market, and I have also raised this issue directly with the Federal Minister for Health, and continue to urge the Federal Government to step up and fix the issues in the private market," Minister Archer said.

“We continue to boost capacity in the public system, and are progressing plans for more mental health hubs, including in the Huon Valley, and the new mental health precincts in the North and North West.”

If you require support for your mental health, support is available by phoning Access Mental Health on 1800 332 388 or Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212.
If it is more urgent, assistance is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36.
In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).