tassie stuffed, the nation next - abbott, page-5

The ABC wrote this one and Wilkie is not happy.

"Health 'abandoned'

Federal independent MP Andrew Wilkie says the leaked documents show the Government has all but abandoned its responsibility to deliver public health care in the state.

"These are the cutbacks that are going to impact on the most disadvantaged members of the community and the people who simply can't afford to get private health care and they're going to miss out," he said.

"You know, operations are not going to occur and I assume staff are going to be laid off."

The Liberals' Jeremy Rockliff says patients will suffer under the extensive cuts.

"Cuts of this magnitude can only result in a frontline service cut that will result in compromising patient care and of course waiting lists will get longer."

Albert van Zetten says there will be considerable community anger if the hospital's frontline services are hit.

"Look if it's going to affect frontline services we would be and $16 million a significant amount of money," he said.

"So look, without having seen where it's being cut, we want to ensure it doesn't touch frontline services and that is something that is important to the region.
out."

The Health Minister Michelle O'Byrne says the cuts are needed to fill the budget black hole."

Read more:http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-07-20/20110720-leaked-health-budget-cuts/2803272