Embattled Health Minister Michael Ferguson has been caught out blatantly lying about the mental health crisis facing Tasmania's young people.
For months, Michael Ferguson has insisted the Launceston General and Royal Hobart hospitals will have dedicated adolescent mental health units.
But in Budget Estimates today, Tasmania's Chief Psychiatrist confirmed he didn't know how many of the new 16 adolescent beds at the RHH and eight at the LGH would be for mental health patients.
The Minister Michael Ferguson then stated:
"We don't want to leave people with an expectation that all of the beds will be dedicated for mental health."
Shadow Health Minister, Sarah Lovell, said the Minister has been caught out deliberately misleading the public.
"How can you insist there will be 'dedicated' adolescent mental health units in Launceston and Hobart but then confirm that not all the beds in these units will be dedicated for mental health, – this is absurd!
"It's clear the Minister would say anything to deny the mental health crisis while young Tasmanians suffer.
"The truth is people are dying unnecessary deaths under this Minister's watch and he is willing to tell blatant lies to cover his back."
Sarah Lovell MLC
Shadow Health Minister
