The Greens have obtained information which reveals the Liberal Government are reclassifying and downgrading positions across the state’s health service. It’s part of their cruel attempt to cut $700 million from the health system, which is only going to make things worse for Tasmanians seeking care.
It has been revealed that roles of experienced health service clinicians will be reviewed upon becoming vacant, with the aim of downgrading positions to junior levels. This will affect allied health professionals, like psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and social workers.
This is a desperate money grab from the Liberal Government, who are trying to cut $700 million across Tasmanian health system. The Liberal Government are more interested in saving money than providing the health services Tasmanians need.
We know the health system is already struggling to provide Tasmanians with the care they need. Reducing experienced clinician jobs isn’t going to help. It’s going to put more burden on remaining senior staff, who as well as carrying a large workload themselves, will have the added task of supervising a growing number of less experienced staff who cannot take on as many patients.
This is such a low move form the Liberals. It’s incredibly disrespectful to staff, who deserve to be properly valued for their expertise and the vital services they provide to the Tasmanian community.
Morale is already low across the stretched health service, and this will make things worse. How do the Liberals expect to retain and attract the health staff we need in this state?
In trying to downgrade health positions, the Liberals are going to further downgrade the services sick Tasmanians need. Tasmanians deserve a health system that works – not the Liberals’ cruel cuts.
