Tasmanian Government Business Enterprise scrutiny hearings heard today that the Mersey Community Hospital will be facing an $80 million funding shortfall within four years.
The Committee heard that by the time the hospital’s tenth year dividend is due in the 2026 – 27 financial year, it will be as low as $21.6 million, when it should be over $100 million.
The funding agreement with the Commonwealth was supposed to provide certainty for 10 – 12 years, but the figures provided in today’s GBE hearing indicate the money will run out before then.
At the moment, the hospital is funded by the dividend, so an $80 million funding shortfall poses a major risk to the State Budget.
The Liberals have already racked up a record debt, with next to nothing to show for it. With interest rates rising, the Government needs to outline how it will fill this latest budget black hole.
Shane Broad MP
Shadow Treasurer
