Jeremy Rockliff

Premier of Tasmania



7 February 2019

Michael Ferguson, Minister for Health

Labor again championing disruption to health services for Tasmanians

Again today, Labor’s Sarah Lovell is actively supporting the cancellation of important surgeries as part of ongoing industrial action by the Australian Nurses and Midwifery Union.

Why is Labor so keen to champion the cancellation of surgeries as part of industrial action which will affect Tasmanians in need of care?

The Government has been negotiating in good faith with unions, including the ANMF, for months.

Throughout negotiations with unions, the Government has remained committed to the principle that we must strike the right balance between delivering a fair and affordable pay rise for public servants, continuing to invest in additional frontline services, and ensuring our budget remains strong.

There is another negotiation meeting with unions, including the ANMF, planned and that’s where industrial issues should be worked out, not in hospitals and operating theatres.

It’s about time Sarah Lovell and Labor stop the petty political games and supported genuine good faith negotiation.



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