Labor chooses Canberra over Tasmanians

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, has called out the State Labor party for their ongoing refusal to stand up to their Federal counterparts and advocate for Tasmania’s interests.

“The evidence over a long period of time is very clear – Labor will do anything possible to run cover for Canberra, even at the expense of vulnerable Tasmanians,” Minister Archer said.

“The pattern of behaviour is impossible to ignore.

"When the Federal Government tried to short-change Tasmania on the National Health Reform Agreement funding, Tasmanian Labor was silent.

"When the Federal Government cut palliative care funding, Tasmanian Labor was silent.

“When the Federal Government has consistently refused to strengthen GP access - silence.

“Now, even worse, they are stooping to new lows by dishonestly claiming the State refused funding for additional aged care support.

“We’ve made every effort to secure Commonwealth support for additional aged care capacity to help relieve pressure on our hospitals, and for Labor to claim otherwise is a slap in the face to every Tasmanian stuck in a hospital bed who doesn’t need to be there.

“This issue isn’t going away and Tasmanian Labor need to show some backbone and finally stand up to their federal colleagues.

“We are stepping in to fund immediate, medium, and long term solutions, and we call on State Labor to join us on a unity ticket and demand the Commonwealth work with us immediately with funding assistance for these step-down beds."

Minister Archer said as part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, our Government is continuing to invest in strengthening the health system.

"We thank our dedicated doctors, nurses, paramedics and support staff, who continue to deliver outstanding care under significant pressure," Minister Archer said.

"The team at the LGH is doing an incredible job as demand increases, with more than 70 per cent of patients attending the ED seen on time every day between Saturday and Tuesday.

"Labor can no longer ignore the fact that pressures on our hospitals are being made worse by Federal responsibilities that are simply not being met.

"Tasmanians deserve representatives who will stand up for them, not stay silent when Canberra lets them down."