It is ironic that at the time the Angela Williamson Integrity Commission Report is released, Tasmanian women are still unable to access termination services through the public health system.
Shadow Minister for Workplace Relations, Michelle O’Byrne, said the Hodgman Liberal Government had learned nothing from this case.
“Ms Williamson was sacked from her role at Cricket Tasmania after she criticised abortion services in Tasmania. This is a woman who was trolled by one of the Premier’s senior advisers who later left the Premier’s office under a cloud,” Ms O’Byrne said.
“It is disgraceful that on the day this report is released, Tasmanian women are still no closer to accessing termination services from the public system in this state.
“Health Minister Michael Ferguson is now five months overdue on his commitment to provide the service in Tasmania and it is now more than 470 days since Tasmania’s last clinic closed.
“As part of the Minister’s commitment to provide termination services in Tasmania, he also promised funding to a group which doesn’t provide counselling or support for women wanting to access terminations.
“It is unacceptable that while this group has received its funding, Tasmanian women are still waiting to access the termination service.
“The only low cost termination services available in Tasmania are those provided by private doctors who have stepped up to support women where the Minister has failed to.
“Tasmanian women are under extreme stress by having to leave the state and their support networks at significant cost to obtain a termination.
“It is time for the Minister to put his personal views aside, show Tasmanian women some respect and provide safe and accessible termination services in this state.”
