Opposition Leader Rebecca White began the day by asking Health Minister Michael Ferguson if his office was informed when the Royal Hobart Hospital tried to institute a code yellow, which Ms White said would indicate an “internal emergency”.

“This question is as predictable as it is based on a false premise,” Mr Ferguson said.

“I do not approve or veto code yellow or any other colour.”

But Ms White continued to press the Minister on the issue of the health system.

“Why are you still refusing to listen to those who know best?” she asked him.

Mr Ferguson assured the house that the budget provided extra money for eight new beds at the RHH.

“Falsely asserting otherwise doesn’t make it true,” he said.

g branded the 2017-18 state budget as a “blatantly pre-election budget”.

She asked Premier Will Hodgman how the government intended to fund the 7000 jobs for young people it committed to provide in the budget.

Mr Hodgman said his government was “determined” to create jobs growth through supporting the “strong growth” in Tasmania’s economy.

Ms O’Connor then turned her attention to Child Protection Minister Jacquie Petrusma, reminding her that Children and Youth Services staff had raised concerns that a particular group of children had not been moved into care even though it was recommended in January 2017.

Ms Petrusma said it was “very sad” that these children’s lives were being subjected to “media scrutiny”.

“A decision was made ... to keep the family unit together … rather than take the children into care," she told the house.

Next, it was Ms White’s turn to ask Ms Petrusma a question.

“Why are you still failing to provide resources to protect [children]?” she said.

Ms Petrusma was quick to note that 31 child protection staff had been funded under the “redesign” of the child protection system in Tasmania.

Lastly, Opposition education spokeswoman Michelle O’Byrne asked Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff if he would authorise a review of the culture of TasTAFE, after former chief executive Stephen Conway faced allegations of professional misconduct.

“My focus is on staff and students,” Mr Rockliff replied.

“It is very important we have a strong public training provider in Tasmania.”