The Tasmanian Government says a $120 million heart centre in the state’s north will still go ahead, despite leaving funding for it out of the state budget.
Labor Health spokesperson Ella Haddad said the seemingly-dumped project was a central part of the Liberals’ health policy leading up to the state election.
“There is no money in the state budget to come good on this election promise,” she said.
“They’re now saying they’re going to go to the federal government and request them to come up with the funds for at least half of this vital health infrastructure.”
“Meanwhile, they have committed no state funds.”
“This is a massive, broken election promise … lives will be at risk as a result of this decision.”
Australian Medical Association Tasmanian President Dr Michael Lumsden-Steel said he is “seriously disappointed”.
“Our members have been left feeling devastated that not one dollar has been allocated to their number one project in the north of the state,” he said.
“This project was announced during the election as a critical health service for northern and north-west Tasmanians.”
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the government remained committed to the project and would work on its design over the next 12 months.
“We would expect, of course, a federal government commitment given the significance of it, but we’ll get the job done,” he said.
“We’ll start the design process. It’s all part of what is a $580 million Launceston General Hospital redevelopment.”
“This is an addition to that 10-year master plan and it’ll be welcomed.”
Health Minister Guy Barnett said in May that the centre was expected to be operational by 2029.
