[Greens-Media] Tas Greens_Govt Must Guarantee Ambulance Levy Won't be Rammed Through Parliament_C O'Connor MP

[greens at parliament.tas.gov.au]

GREENS CALL ON GOVERNMENT NOT TO RAM AMBULANCE LEVY THROUGH PARLIAMENT
WITHOUT PROPER DEBATE

Cassy O'Connor MP
Greens' Shadow Health Spokesperson

Monday, 11 August 2008
Contact: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233
8300

www.tas.greens.org.au


The Tasmanian Greens today accused the Bartlett Government of upholding
the Lennon legacy of misplaced funding priorities in its insistence that
taxpayers will be slugged for ambulance services, and reiterated their
preference for the issue of appropriate ambulance funding to be sent to
a Parliamentary Inquiry.

Greens Shadow Health spokesperson Cassy O'Connor MP said the proposed
ambulance levy is another example of the government failing to recognise
its role in providing essential services to the Tasmanian people,
without charging them for the 'privilege'.

"Ambulance services are a basic, essential service.  Given the high
percentage of Tasmanians on low to modest incomes, and the skyrocketing
cost of living, there is a compelling argument for the State Government
to stick by its commitment - made before the last State Election - that
Tasmania should remain unique in Australia and provide this core service
from within existing Budget frameworks," Ms O'Connor said.

"Tasmania is not a wealthy state, and per capita we have a high level of
health service needs.  We must ensure the burden is not carried by those
who can least afford to pay."

"After a series of bungled attempts to sell its ambulance tax, fee, levy
... the government now appears almost certain to introduce legislation
requiring Tasmanians to pay for ambulance services in the Spring session
of Parliament.

"It will be a test of the Bartlett Government to see if it allows the
Parliament enough time and preparation for a proper debate on this
issue, rather than hoping to hastily ram it through before MPs have the
opportunity to hear from stakeholders - including, most importantly,
those who provide and need ambulance services," Ms O'Connor said.



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