6 March 2026
Bridget Archer, Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing
The Tasmanian Government has condemned HACSU’s latest work bans, which are putting the health and safety of Tasmanians at risk.
The significant impact to Tasmanians caused by HACSU include the reduction of elective surgeries and endoscopies that can be performed due to clinical sterilisation slowdowns; beds closing because of bans on essential cleaning; refusing to take patients to diagnostics and for treatment, extending their time in hospital; and banning heart-lung services by Perfusionist after 3pm, reducing the number of patients who can receive this vital treatment.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said the bans are hurting Tasmanians.
“These bans go too far and are closing beds, delaying care, and increasing pressure on health services that Tasmanians need,” Minister Archer said.
“This is not the fault of health workers, they are simply doing what the union is directing – but there is no doubt this will impact the health and wellbeing of Tasmanians.
“HACSU has claimed these are designed to inconvenience the Government, but delaying someone’s surgery and leaving them in pain, is absolutely at odds with that statement.
“There’s a proposal on the table that will deliver a pay rise and improved conditions for health workers, in line with what police have accepted, and I urge HACSU in the strongest possible terms to come back to the table and work this through.”