The opposition has asked about the future of a number of health programs during question time this morning.As part of the government’s budget cuts, 224 full-time equivalent positions will be axed this year from the Department of Health and Human Services.
The opposition asked a series of questions to Health Minster Michael Ferguson and Human Services Minister Jacquie Petrusma about whether frontline staff had been cut from child protection and health programs.
Labor members also suggested that the government was cutting services at the Oatlands Multi-Purpose Health Centre.
Mr Ferguson said Labor had its facts wrong about the health system, and were responsible for the government having to make cuts.
“We will not be closing regional hospitals,” he said.
“We are committed to health services everywhere in Tasmania.”
Resources Minister Paul Harriss revealed that Forestry Tasmania had posted a loss of $43 million last financial year.