Tasmania's Liberals have promised to upgrade the state's under-pressure hospitals as the party formally launches its election campaign.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Premier Jeremy Rockliff will pitch to party faithful in the state's north on Sunday afternoon in the lead-up to the March 23 poll, held more than a year ahead of schedule.
A recent opinion poll indicated neither major party would be able to reach majority government, with more than one third of voters set to support minor parties or independents.
According to January health data, 46 per cent of hospital emergency department presentations weren't seen within the clinically recommended time.
The chief executive of Ambulance Tasmania in February told an inquiry one quarter of emergency cases didn't receive an ambulance within the desired time.
Mr Rockliff said a re-elected Liberal majority government would recruit 44 doctors and 25 nurses at the Royal Hobart Hospital emergency department and undertake $187 million in capital upgrades.
"We will be able to ensure the (hospital's) recently expanded (emergency department) will be firing on all cylinders 24 hours a day, seven days a week," he said.
Mr Rockliff also promised to double the size of the emergency department of the Launceston General Hospital, with construction to begin in 2025.
He also pledged a range of new buildings, wards and specialist service units at the North West Regional and Mersey Community hospitals at a cost of $175 million.
The Liberals, who have been in power since 2014, have copped criticism in recent days after promising to expand native forestry and crack down on youth crime.
A major forestry industry group was among those questioning the decision to "unlock" 40,000 hectares of native forests previously protected under a peace deal.
The state's Labor opposition, which was plagued by infighting during the 2021 campaign, has dropped in popularity in two opinion polls taken since August.
Tasmania's restoration of parliament's lower house from 25 to 35 members has opened the door for independents and minor parties.
The Liberals were plunged into minority in May when John Tucker and Lara Alexander quit the party to sit as independents, partly over concerns with the state's AFL deal.
Mr Rockliff failed to resolve a stand-off with the pair in February, prompting his call of an early election.
Australian Associated Press
