Lib MP, health minister clash over hospital hirings
QUESTIONS have been raised over a private-to-public Geelong jobs package set to be delivered by the State Health Minister.
Jill Hennessy last week announced 117 positions would be created at Barwon Health, stepping in the secure employment for workers affected by the closure of Geelong Private Hospital.
Coalition MP Simon Ramsay said the substantial job hiring initiative raised questions over staffing levels at Barwon Health and who would foot the bill.
The State Opposition estimated the jobs rescue package to cost about $9 million.
“Are these additional to the needs of the hospital, or do they indicate a very severe under-staffing at Barwon Health that these jobs can be absorbed without question?” Mr Ramsay said. “How does that work? Even with natural attrition rates at a major hospital, this is a big number to take on in one hit.
“It either exposes enormous shortfalls at Barwon or indicates that this Government is happy to add 117 additional wages to its public service costs that have increased by 40 per cent (during the past four years).”
In a statement, Ms Hennessy said: “Simon Ramsay has let the cat out of the bag, making clear the Liberals have grubby plans to take an axe to hospital funding and cut more hard-working health care staff.
“In a gravely concerning statement, the Liberals have condemned the news that Geelong Private Hospital workers will be offered new positions in Victoria’s growing public health service, including at Barwon Health, following the announcement Geelong Private will close.
“It seems everyone but the Liberals are pleased to see our valued nurses, allied health and administrative staff find the new opportunities they deserve.”
The State Government said the 117 jobs offered to former Healthscope workers had been created by converting agency positions to permanent jobs, bringing services back inhouse that have been subcontracted out.