MPs debate existence of Deloitte report on state's health system

Labor says Deloitte Access Economics has been commissioned by the state government to compile a report on new beds in Tasmanian hospitals.

Last week, Health Minister Michael Ferguson said the report was “Cabinet-in-confidence” to “ensure frank and fearless advice is given”.

On Wednesday, Mr Ferguson said the report was actually “non-existent … because the New Bed Implementation Team’s work hasn’t finished, it is ongoing”.

“Last week I confirmed that work has been commissioned for Cabinet as part of our New Bed Implementation Team work, and that would, as a result, be Cabinet-in-confidence as is longstanding convention,” he said.

“I have never stated the report was completed or received – it isn’t.

“The facts are the work being done by the New Bed Implementation Team is seeing the successful roll out of more than 120 extra beds and treatment recliners – that should be welcomed by Labor because it means more Tasmanians getting the care they need sooner.”

Mr Ferguson said Labor was “more focused on cheap politics than the facts”.

But Opposition Leader Rebecca White stuck to her guns, suggesting the report did, indeed, exist.

“We believe that Deloitte was commissioned by the Department of Premier and Cabinet to do a review of the Tasmanian Health Service,” she said.

“And that report has been completed because we’ve been told there have been verbal briefings provided to staff within the health system updating them on the findings of that report.

“For the minister to claim now that it’s not completed or, in fact, doesn’t exist, contradicts what he said last week.”

Ms White called on Mr Ferguson to release the report immediately rather than “wait until after the election”.

Labor claims Tasmania’s health system is “in crisis”.