“We have received a proposal to co-locate the LGH with private hospitals, and of course we are open to any proposal which will deliver better health outcomes for Tasmanians,” Health Minister Michael Ferguson said.

“Unlike Labor, we will not scrap a process already underway that was started in good faith, to do so could put at risk a significant proposal already on the table.”

Opposition Leader Rebecca White said there had been talk of a co-located hospital in Launceston for many years.

“It’s about time that we took this more seriously, and that’s why, following months of discussions I’ve had in the North of the state and with health professionals, particularly peak medical bodies, we’ve decided to make an announcement of our intention, that if we are fortunate enough to be elected, our ambition is to see a co-located private hospital built alongside the LGH to support a wide variety of services for people in the North of the state” she said.

EARLIER: The opposition has announced a major health precinct policy, which would include a private hospital co-located with the Launceston General Hospital.

Opposition Leader Rebecca White said a Labor majority government would commit $250,000 towards the new masterplan if elected.

She said the construction of the private hospital, taking into account building and civil construction works, would be about $200 million.

Ms White said Labor would call for expressions of interest within the first six months of government to build the co-located private hospital, which would be constructed on the corner of Charles and Howick streets.

It follows revelations that an unsolicited proposal from Calvary is already with the Office of the Coordinator-General.

Calvary’s plan is to build a new hospital on the LGH site, replacing St Vincent’s and St Luke’s hospitals, which are old buildings.

Health Minister Michael Ferguson said he was aware of the proposal, but could not give any details about it.

An Office of the Coordinator-General spokesman told The Examiner on Wednesday that unsolicited proposals were confidential “until a preliminary assessment has been conducted and Cabinet determines that a proposal should be taken further”.

Ms White said the opposition’s plan was for an open tender process.

“Labor is committed to a transparent and open expression of interest process,” she said on Thursday.

“We believe government needs to be in the driving seat to maximise the opportunities this critical infrastructure project could create, unlike the Liberals who have been hands off.”

Ms White said parking issues would also be addressed as part of the health precinct.

Comment has been sought from Mr Ferguson.