$325m rescue package for Tassie health

THE Federal Government insists a $325 million rescue package for Tasmania's ailing health system has tough conditions attached that will ensure the State Government can't waste the funds.

Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek has announced the Commonwealth is taking "urgent action" to head off a crisis caused by the island state's aging population, higher rates of chronic disease and system constraints.

The funding, over four years, was decided after government consultations with Tasmanian independent MP Andrew Wilkie.

"The Government has come up with an emergency rescue package we believe will address the unique challenges faced by the state," Ms Plibersek said today.

The $325 million package includes a $31 million elective surgery blitz. An additional 2600 operations including orthopedic and cataract surgery will help clear a backlog.

There's also money for walk-in clinics in Hobart and Launceston, better after-hospital care, medical specialist training, mental health services and the rollout of personal electronic health record systems in local hospitals.

"These investments respond to the ideas that front-line clinicians have told me will be the best ways to tend to Tasmania's health system," Ms Plibersek said.

The minister insisted the Tasmanian Government would face a strict reporting and accountability regime.

The state would have to maintain current funding levels in order to receive Commonwealth cash and report monthly on where it was spending the extra funds.

A three-person commission will be set up to ensure the state is delivering services as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Mr Wilkie today said the $325 million would count for little "unless it's followed by genuine reform to put Tasmania's public health system on a more sustainable footing".

He nevertheless praised the Government for responding to his request for urgent assistance which he first raised with the Prime Minister at the beginning of May.

"I'm hopeful the federal assistance package will go a long way towards taking the state's public health system off the critical list," Mr Wilkie said.

"According to the State Government these additional elective procedures will largely reverse the recent cuts."

But federal Opposition health spokesman Peter Dutton believes today's announcement is a "band-aid solution".

"The reason we are here is that the Labor State Government ripped $430 million out of its health system," he told ABC TV.

"You can't have a state government ripping out almost half-a-billion dollars and the Commonwealth put in $300 million and pretend it's a good news day."

Mr Dutton called on Ms Plibersek to guarantee that not one dollar out of the rescue package would be spent on additional bureaucracy.

View the original article here

Call to take asylum seekers to Tassie, boost economy

There are calls for the Pontville detention centre to be reopened permanently, so Tasmania can process more asylum seekers in the community. Picture: Sean Fennessy Source: The Daily Telegraph

• The Pontville detention centre closed in March
• Call for it to reopen under a different operating model
• "We should be telling the Government to send them here"

TASMANIA should be allowed to reopen its arms to asylum seekers, human rights advocates say.

As politicians in Canberra squabble over the best way to deal with the asylum seeker crisis, advocates say Tasmania is the perfect place to process them.

The tragic drowning of asylum seekers during the past week has intensified calls for the Pontville detention centre to be reopened permanently, so Tasmania can process more asylum seekers in the community. 

Brighton Mayor Tony Foster yesterday called for the centre, which closed in March after six months, to open again under a different operating model.

"Let's make it a processing centre with people coming and going as they please, returning at night," Mr Foster said.

"Let's look at a new way for the future and let Pontville show we can do it in a whole new way."

Unions Tasmania boss Kevin Harkins said yesterday asylum seekers should be brought to the state to help boost the economy and offer a safe, humane processing option for hundreds of boat people seeking refuge in Australia.

"We should be telling the Federal Government to send them here, have them processed in a reasonable amount of time and those that don't meet the criteria can be sent back," he said.

Read more at themercury.com.au
 

View the original article here

$325m rescue package for Tassie health

THE Federal Government insists a $325 million rescue package for Tasmania's ailing health system has tough conditions attached that will ensure the State Government can't waste the funds.

Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek has announced the Commonwealth is taking "urgent action" to head off a crisis caused by the island state's aging population, higher rates of chronic disease and system constraints.

The funding, over four years, was decided after government consultations with Tasmanian independent MP Andrew Wilkie.

"The Government has come up with an emergency rescue package we believe will address the unique challenges faced by the state," Ms Plibersek said today.

The $325 million package includes a $31 million elective surgery blitz. An additional 2600 operations including orthopedic and cataract surgery will help clear a backlog.

There's also money for walk-in clinics in Hobart and Launceston, better after-hospital care, medical specialist training, mental health services and the rollout of personal electronic health record systems in local hospitals.

"These investments respond to the ideas that front-line clinicians have told me will be the best ways to tend to Tasmania's health system," Ms Plibersek said.

The minister insisted the Tasmanian Government would face a strict reporting and accountability regime.

The state would have to maintain current funding levels in order to receive Commonwealth cash and report monthly on where it was spending the extra funds.

A three-person commission will be set up to ensure the state is delivering services as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Mr Wilkie today said the $325 million would count for little "unless it's followed by genuine reform to put Tasmania's public health system on a more sustainable footing".

He nevertheless praised the Government for responding to his request for urgent assistance which he first raised with the Prime Minister at the beginning of May.

"I'm hopeful the federal assistance package will go a long way towards taking the state's public health system off the critical list," Mr Wilkie said.

"According to the State Government these additional elective procedures will largely reverse the recent cuts."

But federal Opposition health spokesman Peter Dutton believes today's announcement is a "band-aid solution".

"The reason we are here is that the Labor State Government ripped $430 million out of its health system," he told ABC TV.

"You can't have a state government ripping out almost half-a-billion dollars and the Commonwealth put in $300 million and pretend it's a good news day."

Mr Dutton called on Ms Plibersek to guarantee that not one dollar out of the rescue package would be spent on additional bureaucracy.

View the original article here

Voluntary euthanasia back on Tassie agenda

TASMANIA won't find itself a centre of voluntary euthanasia tourism if it becomes the first state to decriminalise the practice, advocates say.

A discussion paper is due within weeks as premier Lara Giddings and Greens leader Nick McKim prepare to introduce legislation later this year.

President of Dying With Dignity Tasmania Margaret Sing says a residency requirement in the bill will ensure that a fly-in mentality isn't allowed to flourish.

"All the indications from the places that have legislation are that people want to access assistance as a very last resort," Ms Sing told AAP.

"They don't want to and won't be travelling all around the country."

Controversial right-to-die campaigner Philip Nitschke has declared a clinic ready to go for Hobart once laws are passed, but Ms Sing's group rejects that concept.

"The best thing for everybody concerned is that people have easy access to both the information and support and services as close as possible to their actual home," Ms Sing said.

"A clinic is just not going to satisfy that kind of requirement, particularly with some sort of fly-in (element).

"There's more than one voice pro-law reform and we represent a different point of view on a number of matters."

A previous attempt to legalise voluntary euthanasia failed in Tasmania's lower house in 2009.

Even with a conscience vote, it is a strong chance of getting through the Labor-Greens majority House of Assembly this time around but could hit a snag in the independents-dominated upper house.

"I remain fairly hopeful this time," Ms Sing said.

"If politicians make their decisions on the basis of good quality information and arguments and not on the basis of a whole range of false and misleading claims ... then they should make a decision in favour of law reform."

Opponents of the move, including former governor William Cox, have formed a group called Real Dignity Tas.

They did not immediately respond to AAP's contact but palliative care expert and supporter Dr Paul Dunne has said previously that voluntary euthanasia would be impossible to regulate and be unfair on doctors.

Premier Giddings said the discussion paper would be released publicly for comment.

View the original article here

Call to take asylum seekers to Tassie, boost economy

There are calls for the Pontville detention centre to be reopened permanently, so Tasmania can process more asylum seekers in the community. Picture: Sean Fennessy Source: The Daily Telegraph

• The Pontville detention centre closed in March
• Call for it to reopen under a different operating model
• "We should be telling the Government to send them here"

TASMANIA should be allowed to reopen its arms to asylum seekers, human rights advocates say.

As politicians in Canberra squabble over the best way to deal with the asylum seeker crisis, advocates say Tasmania is the perfect place to process them.

The tragic drowning of asylum seekers during the past week has intensified calls for the Pontville detention centre to be reopened permanently, so Tasmania can process more asylum seekers in the community. 

Brighton Mayor Tony Foster yesterday called for the centre, which closed in March after six months, to open again under a different operating model.

"Let's make it a processing centre with people coming and going as they please, returning at night," Mr Foster said.

"Let's look at a new way for the future and let Pontville show we can do it in a whole new way."

Unions Tasmania boss Kevin Harkins said yesterday asylum seekers should be brought to the state to help boost the economy and offer a safe, humane processing option for hundreds of boat people seeking refuge in Australia.

"We should be telling the Federal Government to send them here, have them processed in a reasonable amount of time and those that don't meet the criteria can be sent back," he said.

Read more at themercury.com.au
 

View the original article here

Call to take asylum seekers to Tassie, boost economy

There are calls for the Pontville detention centre to be reopened permanently, so Tasmania can process more asylum seekers in the community. Picture: Sean Fennessy Source: The Daily Telegraph

• The Pontville detention centre closed in March
• Call for it to reopen under a different operating model
• "We should be telling the Government to send them here"

TASMANIA should be allowed to reopen its arms to asylum seekers, human rights advocates say.

As politicians in Canberra squabble over the best way to deal with the asylum seeker crisis, advocates say Tasmania is the perfect place to process them.

The tragic drowning of asylum seekers during the past week has intensified calls for the Pontville detention centre to be reopened permanently, so Tasmania can process more asylum seekers in the community. 

Brighton Mayor Tony Foster yesterday called for the centre, which closed in March after six months, to open again under a different operating model.

"Let's make it a processing centre with people coming and going as they please, returning at night," Mr Foster said.

"Let's look at a new way for the future and let Pontville show we can do it in a whole new way."

Unions Tasmania boss Kevin Harkins said yesterday asylum seekers should be brought to the state to help boost the economy and offer a safe, humane processing option for hundreds of boat people seeking refuge in Australia.

"We should be telling the Federal Government to send them here, have them processed in a reasonable amount of time and those that don't meet the criteria can be sent back," he said.

Read more at themercury.com.au
 

View the original article here

Voluntary euthanasia back on Tassie agenda

TASMANIA won't find itself a centre of voluntary euthanasia tourism if it becomes the first state to decriminalise the practice, advocates say.

A discussion paper is due within weeks as premier Lara Giddings and Greens leader Nick McKim prepare to introduce legislation later this year.

President of Dying With Dignity Tasmania Margaret Sing says a residency requirement in the bill will ensure that a fly-in mentality isn't allowed to flourish.

"All the indications from the places that have legislation are that people want to access assistance as a very last resort," Ms Sing told AAP.

"They don't want to and won't be travelling all around the country."

Controversial right-to-die campaigner Philip Nitschke has declared a clinic ready to go for Hobart once laws are passed, but Ms Sing's group rejects that concept.

"The best thing for everybody concerned is that people have easy access to both the information and support and services as close as possible to their actual home," Ms Sing said.

"A clinic is just not going to satisfy that kind of requirement, particularly with some sort of fly-in (element).

"There's more than one voice pro-law reform and we represent a different point of view on a number of matters."

A previous attempt to legalise voluntary euthanasia failed in Tasmania's lower house in 2009.

Even with a conscience vote, it is a strong chance of getting through the Labor-Greens majority House of Assembly this time around but could hit a snag in the independents-dominated upper house.

"I remain fairly hopeful this time," Ms Sing said.

"If politicians make their decisions on the basis of good quality information and arguments and not on the basis of a whole range of false and misleading claims ... then they should make a decision in favour of law reform."

Opponents of the move, including former governor William Cox, have formed a group called Real Dignity Tas.

They did not immediately respond to AAP's contact but palliative care expert and supporter Dr Paul Dunne has said previously that voluntary euthanasia would be impossible to regulate and be unfair on doctors.

Premier Giddings said the discussion paper would be released publicly for comment.

View the original article here

Call to take asylum seekers to Tassie, boost economy

There are calls for the Pontville detention centre to be reopened permanently, so Tasmania can process more asylum seekers in the community. Picture: Sean Fennessy Source: The Daily Telegraph

• The Pontville detention centre closed in March
• Call for it to reopen under a different operating model
• "We should be telling the Government to send them here"

TASMANIA should be allowed to reopen its arms to asylum seekers, human rights advocates say.

As politicians in Canberra squabble over the best way to deal with the asylum seeker crisis, advocates say Tasmania is the perfect place to process them.

The tragic drowning of asylum seekers during the past week has intensified calls for the Pontville detention centre to be reopened permanently, so Tasmania can process more asylum seekers in the community. 

Brighton Mayor Tony Foster yesterday called for the centre, which closed in March after six months, to open again under a different operating model.

"Let's make it a processing centre with people coming and going as they please, returning at night," Mr Foster said.

"Let's look at a new way for the future and let Pontville show we can do it in a whole new way."

Unions Tasmania boss Kevin Harkins said yesterday asylum seekers should be brought to the state to help boost the economy and offer a safe, humane processing option for hundreds of boat people seeking refuge in Australia.

"We should be telling the Federal Government to send them here, have them processed in a reasonable amount of time and those that don't meet the criteria can be sent back," he said.

Read more at themercury.com.au
 

View the original article here

$325m rescue package for Tassie health

THE Federal Government insists a $325 million rescue package for Tasmania's ailing health system has tough conditions attached that will ensure the State Government can't waste the funds.

Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek has announced the Commonwealth is taking "urgent action" to head off a crisis caused by the island state's aging population, higher rates of chronic disease and system constraints.

The funding, over four years, was decided after government consultations with Tasmanian independent MP Andrew Wilkie.

"The Government has come up with an emergency rescue package we believe will address the unique challenges faced by the state," Ms Plibersek said today.

The $325 million package includes a $31 million elective surgery blitz. An additional 2600 operations including orthopedic and cataract surgery will help clear a backlog.

There's also money for walk-in clinics in Hobart and Launceston, better after-hospital care, medical specialist training, mental health services and the rollout of personal electronic health record systems in local hospitals.

"These investments respond to the ideas that front-line clinicians have told me will be the best ways to tend to Tasmania's health system," Ms Plibersek said.

The minister insisted the Tasmanian Government would face a strict reporting and accountability regime.

The state would have to maintain current funding levels in order to receive Commonwealth cash and report monthly on where it was spending the extra funds.

A three-person commission will be set up to ensure the state is delivering services as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Mr Wilkie today said the $325 million would count for little "unless it's followed by genuine reform to put Tasmania's public health system on a more sustainable footing".

He nevertheless praised the Government for responding to his request for urgent assistance which he first raised with the Prime Minister at the beginning of May.

"I'm hopeful the federal assistance package will go a long way towards taking the state's public health system off the critical list," Mr Wilkie said.

"According to the State Government these additional elective procedures will largely reverse the recent cuts."

But federal Opposition health spokesman Peter Dutton believes today's announcement is a "band-aid solution".

"The reason we are here is that the Labor State Government ripped $430 million out of its health system," he told ABC TV.

"You can't have a state government ripping out almost half-a-billion dollars and the Commonwealth put in $300 million and pretend it's a good news day."

Mr Dutton called on Ms Plibersek to guarantee that not one dollar out of the rescue package would be spent on additional bureaucracy.

View the original article here

Voluntary euthanasia back on Tassie agenda

TASMANIA won't find itself a centre of voluntary euthanasia tourism if it becomes the first state to decriminalise the practice, advocates say.

A discussion paper is due within weeks as premier Lara Giddings and Greens leader Nick McKim prepare to introduce legislation later this year.

President of Dying With Dignity Tasmania Margaret Sing says a residency requirement in the bill will ensure that a fly-in mentality isn't allowed to flourish.

"All the indications from the places that have legislation are that people want to access assistance as a very last resort," Ms Sing told AAP.

"They don't want to and won't be travelling all around the country."

Controversial right-to-die campaigner Philip Nitschke has declared a clinic ready to go for Hobart once laws are passed, but Ms Sing's group rejects that concept.

"The best thing for everybody concerned is that people have easy access to both the information and support and services as close as possible to their actual home," Ms Sing said.

"A clinic is just not going to satisfy that kind of requirement, particularly with some sort of fly-in (element).

"There's more than one voice pro-law reform and we represent a different point of view on a number of matters."

A previous attempt to legalise voluntary euthanasia failed in Tasmania's lower house in 2009.

Even with a conscience vote, it is a strong chance of getting through the Labor-Greens majority House of Assembly this time around but could hit a snag in the independents-dominated upper house.

"I remain fairly hopeful this time," Ms Sing said.

"If politicians make their decisions on the basis of good quality information and arguments and not on the basis of a whole range of false and misleading claims ... then they should make a decision in favour of law reform."

Opponents of the move, including former governor William Cox, have formed a group called Real Dignity Tas.

They did not immediately respond to AAP's contact but palliative care expert and supporter Dr Paul Dunne has said previously that voluntary euthanasia would be impossible to regulate and be unfair on doctors.

Premier Giddings said the discussion paper would be released publicly for comment.

View the original article here

$325m rescue package for Tassie health

THE Federal Government insists a $325 million rescue package for Tasmania's ailing health system has tough conditions attached that will ensure the State Government can't waste the funds.

Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek has announced the Commonwealth is taking "urgent action" to head off a crisis caused by the island state's aging population, higher rates of chronic disease and system constraints.

The funding, over four years, was decided after government consultations with Tasmanian independent MP Andrew Wilkie.

"The Government has come up with an emergency rescue package we believe will address the unique challenges faced by the state," Ms Plibersek said today.

The $325 million package includes a $31 million elective surgery blitz. An additional 2600 operations including orthopedic and cataract surgery will help clear a backlog.

There's also money for walk-in clinics in Hobart and Launceston, better after-hospital care, medical specialist training, mental health services and the rollout of personal electronic health record systems in local hospitals.

"These investments respond to the ideas that front-line clinicians have told me will be the best ways to tend to Tasmania's health system," Ms Plibersek said.

The minister insisted the Tasmanian Government would face a strict reporting and accountability regime.

The state would have to maintain current funding levels in order to receive Commonwealth cash and report monthly on where it was spending the extra funds.

A three-person commission will be set up to ensure the state is delivering services as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Mr Wilkie today said the $325 million would count for little "unless it's followed by genuine reform to put Tasmania's public health system on a more sustainable footing".

He nevertheless praised the Government for responding to his request for urgent assistance which he first raised with the Prime Minister at the beginning of May.

"I'm hopeful the federal assistance package will go a long way towards taking the state's public health system off the critical list," Mr Wilkie said.

"According to the State Government these additional elective procedures will largely reverse the recent cuts."

But federal Opposition health spokesman Peter Dutton believes today's announcement is a "band-aid solution".

"The reason we are here is that the Labor State Government ripped $430 million out of its health system," he told ABC TV.

"You can't have a state government ripping out almost half-a-billion dollars and the Commonwealth put in $300 million and pretend it's a good news day."

Mr Dutton called on Ms Plibersek to guarantee that not one dollar out of the rescue package would be spent on additional bureaucracy.

View the original article here

Call to take asylum seekers to Tassie, boost economy

There are calls for the Pontville detention centre to be reopened permanently, so Tasmania can process more asylum seekers in the community. Picture: Sean Fennessy Source: The Daily Telegraph

• The Pontville detention centre closed in March
• Call for it to reopen under a different operating model
• "We should be telling the Government to send them here"

TASMANIA should be allowed to reopen its arms to asylum seekers, human rights advocates say.

As politicians in Canberra squabble over the best way to deal with the asylum seeker crisis, advocates say Tasmania is the perfect place to process them.

The tragic drowning of asylum seekers during the past week has intensified calls for the Pontville detention centre to be reopened permanently, so Tasmania can process more asylum seekers in the community. 

Brighton Mayor Tony Foster yesterday called for the centre, which closed in March after six months, to open again under a different operating model.

"Let's make it a processing centre with people coming and going as they please, returning at night," Mr Foster said.

"Let's look at a new way for the future and let Pontville show we can do it in a whole new way."

Unions Tasmania boss Kevin Harkins said yesterday asylum seekers should be brought to the state to help boost the economy and offer a safe, humane processing option for hundreds of boat people seeking refuge in Australia.

"We should be telling the Federal Government to send them here, have them processed in a reasonable amount of time and those that don't meet the criteria can be sent back," he said.

Read more at themercury.com.au
 

View the original article here

Call to take asylum seekers to Tassie, boost economy

There are calls for the Pontville detention centre to be reopened permanently, so Tasmania can process more asylum seekers in the community. Picture: Sean Fennessy Source: The Daily Telegraph

• The Pontville detention centre closed in March
• Call for it to reopen under a different operating model
• "We should be telling the Government to send them here"

TASMANIA should be allowed to reopen its arms to asylum seekers, human rights advocates say.

As politicians in Canberra squabble over the best way to deal with the asylum seeker crisis, advocates say Tasmania is the perfect place to process them.

The tragic drowning of asylum seekers during the past week has intensified calls for the Pontville detention centre to be reopened permanently, so Tasmania can process more asylum seekers in the community. 

Brighton Mayor Tony Foster yesterday called for the centre, which closed in March after six months, to open again under a different operating model.

"Let's make it a processing centre with people coming and going as they please, returning at night," Mr Foster said.

"Let's look at a new way for the future and let Pontville show we can do it in a whole new way."

Unions Tasmania boss Kevin Harkins said yesterday asylum seekers should be brought to the state to help boost the economy and offer a safe, humane processing option for hundreds of boat people seeking refuge in Australia.

"We should be telling the Federal Government to send them here, have them processed in a reasonable amount of time and those that don't meet the criteria can be sent back," he said.

Read more at themercury.com.au
 

View the original article here

Voluntary euthanasia back on Tassie agenda

TASMANIA won't find itself a centre of voluntary euthanasia tourism if it becomes the first state to decriminalise the practice, advocates say.

A discussion paper is due within weeks as premier Lara Giddings and Greens leader Nick McKim prepare to introduce legislation later this year.

President of Dying With Dignity Tasmania Margaret Sing says a residency requirement in the bill will ensure that a fly-in mentality isn't allowed to flourish.

"All the indications from the places that have legislation are that people want to access assistance as a very last resort," Ms Sing told AAP.

"They don't want to and won't be travelling all around the country."

Controversial right-to-die campaigner Philip Nitschke has declared a clinic ready to go for Hobart once laws are passed, but Ms Sing's group rejects that concept.

"The best thing for everybody concerned is that people have easy access to both the information and support and services as close as possible to their actual home," Ms Sing said.

"A clinic is just not going to satisfy that kind of requirement, particularly with some sort of fly-in (element).

"There's more than one voice pro-law reform and we represent a different point of view on a number of matters."

A previous attempt to legalise voluntary euthanasia failed in Tasmania's lower house in 2009.

Even with a conscience vote, it is a strong chance of getting through the Labor-Greens majority House of Assembly this time around but could hit a snag in the independents-dominated upper house.

"I remain fairly hopeful this time," Ms Sing said.

"If politicians make their decisions on the basis of good quality information and arguments and not on the basis of a whole range of false and misleading claims ... then they should make a decision in favour of law reform."

Opponents of the move, including former governor William Cox, have formed a group called Real Dignity Tas.

They did not immediately respond to AAP's contact but palliative care expert and supporter Dr Paul Dunne has said previously that voluntary euthanasia would be impossible to regulate and be unfair on doctors.

Premier Giddings said the discussion paper would be released publicly for comment.

View the original article here

$325m rescue package for Tassie health

THE Federal Government insists a $325 million rescue package for Tasmania's ailing health system has tough conditions attached that will ensure the State Government can't waste the funds.

Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek has announced the Commonwealth is taking "urgent action" to head off a crisis caused by the island state's aging population, higher rates of chronic disease and system constraints.

The funding, over four years, was decided after government consultations with Tasmanian independent MP Andrew Wilkie.

"The Government has come up with an emergency rescue package we believe will address the unique challenges faced by the state," Ms Plibersek said today.

The $325 million package includes a $31 million elective surgery blitz. An additional 2600 operations including orthopedic and cataract surgery will help clear a backlog.

There's also money for walk-in clinics in Hobart and Launceston, better after-hospital care, medical specialist training, mental health services and the rollout of personal electronic health record systems in local hospitals.

"These investments respond to the ideas that front-line clinicians have told me will be the best ways to tend to Tasmania's health system," Ms Plibersek said.

The minister insisted the Tasmanian Government would face a strict reporting and accountability regime.

The state would have to maintain current funding levels in order to receive Commonwealth cash and report monthly on where it was spending the extra funds.

A three-person commission will be set up to ensure the state is delivering services as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Mr Wilkie today said the $325 million would count for little "unless it's followed by genuine reform to put Tasmania's public health system on a more sustainable footing".

He nevertheless praised the Government for responding to his request for urgent assistance which he first raised with the Prime Minister at the beginning of May.

"I'm hopeful the federal assistance package will go a long way towards taking the state's public health system off the critical list," Mr Wilkie said.

"According to the State Government these additional elective procedures will largely reverse the recent cuts."

But federal Opposition health spokesman Peter Dutton believes today's announcement is a "band-aid solution".

"The reason we are here is that the Labor State Government ripped $430 million out of its health system," he told ABC TV.

"You can't have a state government ripping out almost half-a-billion dollars and the Commonwealth put in $300 million and pretend it's a good news day."

Mr Dutton called on Ms Plibersek to guarantee that not one dollar out of the rescue package would be spent on additional bureaucracy.

View the original article here

Call to take asylum seekers to Tassie, boost economy

There are calls for the Pontville detention centre to be reopened permanently, so Tasmania can process more asylum seekers in the community. Picture: Sean Fennessy Source: The Daily Telegraph

• The Pontville detention centre closed in March
• Call for it to reopen under a different operating model
• "We should be telling the Government to send them here"

TASMANIA should be allowed to reopen its arms to asylum seekers, human rights advocates say.

As politicians in Canberra squabble over the best way to deal with the asylum seeker crisis, advocates say Tasmania is the perfect place to process them.

The tragic drowning of asylum seekers during the past week has intensified calls for the Pontville detention centre to be reopened permanently, so Tasmania can process more asylum seekers in the community. 

Brighton Mayor Tony Foster yesterday called for the centre, which closed in March after six months, to open again under a different operating model.

"Let's make it a processing centre with people coming and going as they please, returning at night," Mr Foster said.

"Let's look at a new way for the future and let Pontville show we can do it in a whole new way."

Unions Tasmania boss Kevin Harkins said yesterday asylum seekers should be brought to the state to help boost the economy and offer a safe, humane processing option for hundreds of boat people seeking refuge in Australia.

"We should be telling the Federal Government to send them here, have them processed in a reasonable amount of time and those that don't meet the criteria can be sent back," he said.

Read more at themercury.com.au
 

View the original article here

Call to take asylum seekers to Tassie, boost economy

There are calls for the Pontville detention centre to be reopened permanently, so Tasmania can process more asylum seekers in the community. Picture: Sean Fennessy Source: The Daily Telegraph

• The Pontville detention centre closed in March
• Call for it to reopen under a different operating model
• "We should be telling the Government to send them here"

TASMANIA should be allowed to reopen its arms to asylum seekers, human rights advocates say.

As politicians in Canberra squabble over the best way to deal with the asylum seeker crisis, advocates say Tasmania is the perfect place to process them.

The tragic drowning of asylum seekers during the past week has intensified calls for the Pontville detention centre to be reopened permanently, so Tasmania can process more asylum seekers in the community. 

Brighton Mayor Tony Foster yesterday called for the centre, which closed in March after six months, to open again under a different operating model.

"Let's make it a processing centre with people coming and going as they please, returning at night," Mr Foster said.

"Let's look at a new way for the future and let Pontville show we can do it in a whole new way."

Unions Tasmania boss Kevin Harkins said yesterday asylum seekers should be brought to the state to help boost the economy and offer a safe, humane processing option for hundreds of boat people seeking refuge in Australia.

"We should be telling the Federal Government to send them here, have them processed in a reasonable amount of time and those that don't meet the criteria can be sent back," he said.

Read more at themercury.com.au
 

View the original article here

Call to take asylum seekers to Tassie, boost economy

There are calls for the Pontville detention centre to be reopened permanently, so Tasmania can process more asylum seekers in the community. Picture: Sean Fennessy Source: The Daily Telegraph

• The Pontville detention centre closed in March
• Call for it to reopen under a different operating model
• "We should be telling the Government to send them here"

TASMANIA should be allowed to reopen its arms to asylum seekers, human rights advocates say.

As politicians in Canberra squabble over the best way to deal with the asylum seeker crisis, advocates say Tasmania is the perfect place to process them.

The tragic drowning of asylum seekers during the past week has intensified calls for the Pontville detention centre to be reopened permanently, so Tasmania can process more asylum seekers in the community. 

Brighton Mayor Tony Foster yesterday called for the centre, which closed in March after six months, to open again under a different operating model.

"Let's make it a processing centre with people coming and going as they please, returning at night," Mr Foster said.

"Let's look at a new way for the future and let Pontville show we can do it in a whole new way."

Unions Tasmania boss Kevin Harkins said yesterday asylum seekers should be brought to the state to help boost the economy and offer a safe, humane processing option for hundreds of boat people seeking refuge in Australia.

"We should be telling the Federal Government to send them here, have them processed in a reasonable amount of time and those that don't meet the criteria can be sent back," he said.

Read more at themercury.com.au
 

View the original article here

Call to take asylum seekers to Tassie, boost economy

There are calls for the Pontville detention centre to be reopened permanently, so Tasmania can process more asylum seekers in the community. Picture: Sean Fennessy Source: The Daily Telegraph

• The Pontville detention centre closed in March
• Call for it to reopen under a different operating model
• "We should be telling the Government to send them here"

TASMANIA should be allowed to reopen its arms to asylum seekers, human rights advocates say.

As politicians in Canberra squabble over the best way to deal with the asylum seeker crisis, advocates say Tasmania is the perfect place to process them.

The tragic drowning of asylum seekers during the past week has intensified calls for the Pontville detention centre to be reopened permanently, so Tasmania can process more asylum seekers in the community. 

Brighton Mayor Tony Foster yesterday called for the centre, which closed in March after six months, to open again under a different operating model.

"Let's make it a processing centre with people coming and going as they please, returning at night," Mr Foster said.

"Let's look at a new way for the future and let Pontville show we can do it in a whole new way."

Unions Tasmania boss Kevin Harkins said yesterday asylum seekers should be brought to the state to help boost the economy and offer a safe, humane processing option for hundreds of boat people seeking refuge in Australia.

"We should be telling the Federal Government to send them here, have them processed in a reasonable amount of time and those that don't meet the criteria can be sent back," he said.

Read more at themercury.com.au
 

View the original article here

Voluntary euthanasia back on Tassie agenda

TASMANIA won't find itself a centre of voluntary euthanasia tourism if it becomes the first state to decriminalise the practice, advocates say.

A discussion paper is due within weeks as premier Lara Giddings and Greens leader Nick McKim prepare to introduce legislation later this year.

President of Dying With Dignity Tasmania Margaret Sing says a residency requirement in the bill will ensure that a fly-in mentality isn't allowed to flourish.

"All the indications from the places that have legislation are that people want to access assistance as a very last resort," Ms Sing told AAP.

"They don't want to and won't be travelling all around the country."

Controversial right-to-die campaigner Philip Nitschke has declared a clinic ready to go for Hobart once laws are passed, but Ms Sing's group rejects that concept.

"The best thing for everybody concerned is that people have easy access to both the information and support and services as close as possible to their actual home," Ms Sing said.

"A clinic is just not going to satisfy that kind of requirement, particularly with some sort of fly-in (element).

"There's more than one voice pro-law reform and we represent a different point of view on a number of matters."

A previous attempt to legalise voluntary euthanasia failed in Tasmania's lower house in 2009.

Even with a conscience vote, it is a strong chance of getting through the Labor-Greens majority House of Assembly this time around but could hit a snag in the independents-dominated upper house.

"I remain fairly hopeful this time," Ms Sing said.

"If politicians make their decisions on the basis of good quality information and arguments and not on the basis of a whole range of false and misleading claims ... then they should make a decision in favour of law reform."

Opponents of the move, including former governor William Cox, have formed a group called Real Dignity Tas.

They did not immediately respond to AAP's contact but palliative care expert and supporter Dr Paul Dunne has said previously that voluntary euthanasia would be impossible to regulate and be unfair on doctors.

Premier Giddings said the discussion paper would be released publicly for comment.

View the original article here