After half a decade of inept management of the health portfolio, Michael Ferguson has finally been sacked.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said today's announcement was welcome but said the Premier shouldn't have to have been dragged kicking and screaming to this obvious decision.
"The Premier has spent the last year as Michael Ferguson's number one cheerleader, as recently as last week celebrating the job he had done in the portfolio," Ms White said.
"The Premier fought against Labor's No Confidence and Censure motions in Parliament, he ridiculed more than 3200 Tasmanians who signed our petition calling for Mr Ferguson to go and he failed to listen to doctors, nurses, paramedics and health professionals who said people were dying needlessly in our hospitals.
"But today the Premier finally declared no confidence in Michael Ferguson.
"Today's humiliating reshuffle presents an opportunity for the chaotic Minority Liberal Government.
"Sarah Courtney must show more courage in the Cabinet than Mr Ferguson did by demanding that it addresses the $100 million health funding black hole.
"Labor wrote to the Premier last year with a list of policy solutions to the health crisis. Parliament supported Labor's motions to hold roundtables with all sides of politics and health professionals to turn this terrible state of affairs around. The Premier and Michael Ferguson did nothing.
"Labor is prepared to work with the new Health Minister if she is truly willing to listen."
Rebecca White MP
Labor Leader
