[Greens-Media] Tas Greens_Government Confusing Promotion with Consultation over RHH_C O'Connor MP

[greens at parliament.tas.gov.au]

GOVERNMENT MISTAKES PROMOTION FOR CONSULTATION ON ROYAL HOBART HOSPITAL

Cassy O'Connor MP
Greens Shadow Health Spokesperson

Friday, 10 October 2008
Contact: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233
8300

www.tas.greens.org.au


The Tasmanian Greens today said the Bartlett Government should be
embarrassed about its apparent need to spend $150 000 of taxpayer's
funds to promote its unpopular plan to put Tasmania's new public
hospital on the waterfront.

Greens Shadow Health spokesperson Cassy O'Connor MP said the government
is mistaking promotion for a proper process of engaging the community in
deciding the future location of the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH).

"Expensive advertising, a telephone hotline, a splash of marketing
material and models; these are no substitute for proper and genuine
public consultation."

"The whole process is back to front and now the Bartlett Government is
scrabbling to persuade a very sceptical constituency who, quite rightly,
believe the process has been flawed since the day Paul Lennon announced
the Railyards as the preferred site."

"Instead of really listening to the concerns of Tasmanians who believe
the process to date stinks and that the preferred site was selected
after too narrow an examination of alternatives, the government is
instead going to spend their money telling them why the Railyards are
the best choice!"

"Again, we are presented with just two choices. We are being told at
great expense by government that a waterfront hospital is the solution
to Tasmania's future health needs, BUT if the business case gives it the
thumbs down, the only option is to redevelop the current site."

"Redeveloping the current site has numerous drawbacks, not least of
which is the impact on staff and patients trying to work and recover in
the middle of a major construction zone."

"Unfortunately, because this government seems so determined to see
through Paul Lennon's vision for the Railyards and because no other
alternatives have been seriously presented, the only choice is an
unpalatable one for people who use the current site. 

"It's a great shame, this lack of vision. The Bartlett Government risks
blowing this once-in-a-century opportunity to deliver the best new
hospital for Tasmanians, now and in the future." 

"I look forward to discussing these issues later today when Tasmanian
Greens Leader Nick McKim and I will be visiting the RHH for a guided
tour with CEO Dr Craig White," Ms O'Connor said.




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