David Bushby (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 8 November 2011:

(1) When was the Minister first made aware of the Tasmanian Government's decision to cut $58.1 million out of elective surgery over the next 3 years.

(2) Given that more than 100 hospital beds are closing in Tasmania as a result of these elective surgery cuts, what, if any, guarantees have been sought and provided that the new 195 overnight beds as part of the Royal Hobart Hospital redevelopment will be fully staffed.

(3) Given that the Tasmanian Government has clearly breached the National Health Reform Agreement with their cuts to elective surgery, what actions will the Federal Government be taking to enforce compliance with that agreement.

Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for Health has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) On Friday 30 September 2011, the office of the previous Minister for Health and Ageing was informed that Tasmania would make an announcement on 4 October 2011. The details were advised on 4 October 2011.

(2) While the Tasmanian Government is responsible for the operation of the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH), under the terms of the Project Agreement for the Redevelopment of Royal Hobart Hospital the Tasmanian Government is required to support the delivery of improved and efficient health care services to all of Tasmania through the redevelopment of the Royal Hobart Hospital including 195 new overnight, on-campus beds (increasing capacity from 371 to 566 beds). This expansion is due for completion in mid-2016

(3) The Commonwealth is continuing to consider a range of options.