Guy Barnett (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

That is right, Senator Ellison and Senator Kemp. It is a shameful display. It is a shameful disrespect to these people who have been married for 75 years. I met Mrs Weeding and looked her in the eye. She has got guts and determination, but she was very remorseful at the decisions of the state Labor government; it is very sad indeed. Mrs Bannister was also there from the aged-care facility at Ouse to show support and camaraderie for the local people. A busload of people drove down from Rosebery to support this event. The mayor of the west coast drove down through the fog, snow and ice to support the people of Ouse. Rosebery and Ouse have shown camaraderie. These communities have rallied and have joined together to say, ‘We will fight this state Labor government decision.’ I congratulate Will Hodgman for standing up that night. At that Ouse meeting he publicly confirmed that the state Liberal government in the future will restore funding and services for those two hospitals, and this was received with acclaim by the audience.

There is plenty of money in the state budget coffers for these health facilities. They have got an extra $220 million over the last five years to run their hospitals. They have got rivers of GST gold flowing into Tasmania. It comes in thick and fast, with this year $80 million extra in windfall gains and $100 million on average into the future. There is money, but what is the priority? Who is next?

I want to pay a tribute in particular to the Ouse committee: Ann Jones, Charlotte Pitt, Sue Booth, Tash Farrow, Andrew Downie, Michael Ball, mayor Deidre Flint, Ross Mace, Tracey Turale, Colleen Smith and Dr Swarz. In Rosebery are: Paul O’ Brien—a fantastic effort, Paul; Richard Spurr—thank you; Margaret and Ivan Compton, Margaret Smith, Beverly Moyle, Geoffrey Eastwood—thank you, Geoffrey, for your work and feedback, and we are sorry about the way your mother has been treated so disgracefully by this state government in her concerns at the Rosebery hospital; Anne Drake; Cris Winskall; Kerry Hay; and Chris Cannell; and there are many others. They have shown complete support for their local communities and dismay at this state government’s actions. West coast mayor Darryl Gerrity, thank you for leadership. You have displayed great determination to stop the brazen arrogance and the dereliction of duty of this state Labor government. (Time expired)