Tasmanian hospitals are shelling out millions of dollars each year to hire temporary doctors and nurses, with new figures revealing $180 million was spent in the last financial year alone.
Right to Information documents show spending on locums, doctors and nurses employed through agencies on short-term contracts, has skyrocketed since 2020-2021.
The data shows that agency nursing costs have jumped from $14 million in 2020 to almost $77 million in 2023, while medical locum expenses have escalated from $33 million in 2019 to over $105 million in 2023.
The opposition has slammed the government for what they call an ‘over-reliance’ on expensive locums.
“It costs between twice and three times more per position to use agency and locum staff compared to just directly employing health workers,” Labor health spokesperson Ella Haddad said.
“On this trajectory, agency and locum staff costs will hit half a billion dollars by the end of the decade.”
“The government should be focused on building a sustainable Tasmanian Health Service by addressing staffing levels, working conditions and directly employing a strong and stable workforce.”
Acting Health Minister Roger said the use of locums is crucial for ensuring Tasmanians get the care they need, particularly during busy periods.
“Labor have confirmed they would put patient safety at risk by refusing to employ locum doctors when demand increases,” he said.
“That means, under Labor, no extra nurses, doctors or mental health professionals when patients need them the most.”
“If there are health workers out there wanting a job, we are employing them.”
