“The announcement that Tasmania’s health budget will be cut in the area of elective surgery by some $58 million totally betrays the trust of the most vulnerable in our community” says Kevin Harkins, Secretary of Unions Tasmania.

“Every member of the Greens and Labor Party in Government should hang their heads in shame. I met with a group of Warrane residents this morning and they are gutted to think access to this important area of health has been shredded.”

“If members of this Government think this is an acceptable outcome, I challenge every one of them to immediately give up their private health insurance and subject themselves to the same system as the majority of Tasmanians”.

“It’s all very cosy to sit back and cut other people’s health services when you can just waltz into a private hospital should your family need attention”.

“I also understand the State Government has $100 million of the Federal Government’s money destined for construction works at the RHH. The money is not being spent on construction so perhaps that could be used to support elective surgery”.

“Our Federal Labor Government representatives should step in here and insist that this money is redirected to cover the State Government’s incompetent performance in the health area”.