The Tasmanian Government has condemned the Federal Labor Government's failure to provide additional funding for public hospitals in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO), despite clear commitments made in 2023 under the National Health Reform Agreement.
Treasurer Eric Abetz said the omission was a serious blow to Tasmania's health system at a time of rising demand.
"The MYEFO does not include one additional cent of funding for the National Health Reform Agreement (NHRA)," the Treasurer said.
"The Federal Government's failure to deliver on its commitment means Tasmania faces a $673 million shortfall of health funding over the next five years.
"It is deeply concerning to Tasmanians that the Federal Government has failed to deliver on the public hospital funding it committed to in 2023.
"There is increasing demand on our hospitals, partly due to the lack of primary health care services available, and the Federal Labor Government is failing the health and wellbeing of Tasmanians, and we're having to pick up the tab."
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said Tasmania's public hospitals were already under significant pressure.
"Tasmanians expect the Federal Government to honour its commitments, particularly when it comes to funding frontline health services," Minister Archer said.
"The Federal Government made a commitment to increase its share of public hospital funding to 45 per cent and we're holding Labor to that agreement.
"We need the Federal Government to play its part, as well as urgently step up to help the 101 Tasmanians, who through no fault of their own, are stranded in our hospitals, medically fit for discharge and awaiting aged care or NDIS placements.
"We will continue to advocate strongly for Tasmania to receive its fair share."
