Tasmanian Greens MPs

Final Motion

That the House: —

(1)        Recognises the significant increase in demand for health care in Tasmania, with the Royal Hobart Hospital seeing sustained growth in demand, with a 21% rise in admissions over the past three years.

(2)        Notes that the Government is taking action to address this demand including by opening the new K Block at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

(3)        Acknowledges that these patients are sicker, with more complex needs.

(4)        Recognises the strain this is placing on staff working in the health system and the patients and family members who are trying to access health care.

(5)        Supports our health work force and thanks them for their dedication and service to our state.

(6)        Acknowledges that the 2019-20 Tasmanian Budget includes operational health expenditure of $1.96 billion

(7)        Further notes this is $155 million more than the 2018-19 Budget.

(8)        Notes that the Government has committed to quarantining frontline services, with efficiencies to be achieved with a focus on vacancy control, natural attrition and the reduction of discretionary spending.

Original Motion

That the House:—

(1)           Notes the extreme pressure on Tasmania’s health system which has seen unprecedented ambulance ramping and unreasonably long wait times for patients in emergency departments across the State.

(2)           Further notes that there are long wait times for services outside the hospital, including mental health services, as well as outpatient services.

(3)           Recognises the strain this is placing on staff working in the health system and the patients and family members who are trying to access health care.

(4)           Supports our health work force and thanks them for their dedication and service to our State.

(5)           Acknowledges the Tasmanian Health Service cannot withstand budget cuts when they are already operating with insufficient funds.

(6)           Does not support any cuts to the Tasmanian Health Service budget.

(7)           Asks that the Government quarantine health from any budget cuts.