Jeremy Rockliff’s signature health policy is in even more of a mess this afternoon after the Health Department blocked implementation of his so-called “ramping ban” around the state.
The Liberals were crowing earlier today about going ahead with their ill-advised policy, despite the Industrial Commission’s ruling blocking its implementation because there had been insufficient consultation
But in an embarrassing backdown this afternoon, the Health Minister Guy Barnett has admitted that the Health Department has had to advise him that additional consultation will apply state-wide, meaning the “ramping ban” cannot go ahead.
It is clear that ambulance ramping is having a terrible impact on both paramedics and patients, but fixing it can’t be achieved by glib three-word slogans.
If the Liberals had bothered to engage respectfully with all stakeholders to provide genuine solutions across the health system, they would not be in the hole they’ve dug for themselves.
Instead, after 10 years of failed health policy, which has seen ramping increase by 500 per cent, Jeremy Rockliff has no health policy at all and his lack of respect for health professionals is on full display.
It’s time for a better future. Tasmanian Labor has been working closely with health professionals, taking a whole-of-system and whole-of-hospital approach so we can begin to address ramping and other issues with our health system.
Dean Winter MP