Staff at the Launceston General Hospital remain in limbo over parking costs after a planned fee increase was scrapped, only for unions to be told a consultation process would still proceed.
Health Minister Bridget Archer confirmed on social media that daily staff parking at the hospital would stay at $3, walking back a proposed increase to $5.
However, unions were later contacted by the Department of Health and informed that consultation on a potential fee rise would still take place.
Scott Schilg, director of hospital corporate and support services, told the Health and Community Services Union the increase had not been ruled out.
“We confirm that no changes will take effect until a consultation process has occurred in line with our obligations and good practice,” he wrote on January 13.
Labor Bass MP Jess Greene, who had previously criticised the proposed increase, said the issue had been mishandled.
“This whole saga has been handled poorly. Health workers deserve better,” she said.
Greene earlier labelled the proposed rise “unfair, greedy and out of touch”, saying the increase would cost full-time staff an extra $500 a year.
“Parking isn’t a luxury for LGH staff. It’s a requirement,” Greene said.
“Short-staffed, burnt out and now being charged more to go to work.”
Greene has since written to the minister seeking clarity on whether the proposed staff parking increase at LGH is definitively off the table.
A Department of Health memo dated January 5 had previously outlined that the increase would take effect from January 18.
Health officials justified the proposed rise by noting parking fees had remained unchanged for 15 years, despite rising operational costs.
Public parking fees were also set to increase from $6 to $10 for stays of between six and 12 hours, though it remains unclear whether that change will go ahead.
Construction on a new 470-space multi-storey car park is due to begin later this month, with completion expected by late 2027.
