Not content with expert advice locally, Sarah Courtney has called in national water quality experts to test for lead in drinking water at the Royal Hobart Hospital.
Shadow Health Minister Sarah Lovell said the escalation raises worrying questions.
“It’s extremely concerning to have lead above safe levels in the drinking water of a brand new hospital.
“Sarah Courtney, Peter Gutwein and John Holland have all made statements on this issue but none of them line up.
“Just a week ago we were hearing that there is no problem with lead in K block. Flying in new experts now to test water raises fears that lead contamination is more widespread than K block.
“Sarah Courtney must explain to hospital workers and patients what steps they should take to protect themselves until the issue is completely resolved.”
Ms Lovell said what’s not in question is further delays to the opening of the hospital.
“Sarah Courtney yesterday quietly conceded that K Block won’t open this month as repeatedly promised. That’s despite Peter Gutwein saying he expected movement by the end of this month.
“The delay is no surprise to anyone who’s watched the history of this project, one of the state’s biggest infrastructure projects, with a price tag of $690 million.
“This hospital was supposed to open in 2018. It’s been plagued by a litany of problems including industrial disputes, worker exposure to mould and asbestos and now lead contamination in the drinking water.
“Sarah Courtney can only hope that she doesn’t preside over the three-year delay that resulted from lead contamination at the , a project delivered by the same building contractor being used for the Royal.
“Peter Gutwien and Sarah Courtney must take responsibility for the delays and mismanagement of this redevelopment, and then tell Tasmanians when beds will be open.”
Sarah Lovell
Shadow Health Minister
