Post wasn’t a winner

ONE of Tasmania’s “three amigo” federal MPs has been unable to explain where money for the Mersey Community Hospital is in the 2015-16 Budget, despite telling his constituents on Facebook that it was there on Tuesday night.

Braddon MP Brett Whiteley took to social media on Budget night to sell the good news from Joe Hockey’s second Budget.

“Great news for Braddon in the Budget,” he said.

“Freight and irrigation funding confirmed, Mersey funding in the forward estimates and a new youth employment program.

“More to be announced tomorrow.”

But asked by the Mercury for the page in which the forward estimates funding appeared, Mr Whiteley — who is the member for the region where the hospital sits — did not answer.

However, he did indicate the funding would be there.

“Negotiations are ongoing between the Tasmanian and Commonwealth Governments,’’ he said.

“Negotiations between the state and federal minister are confidential.

“Notwithstanding this, funding for the Mersey Hospital continues over the forward estimates.”

However, last year’s Budget specified that the agreement, which ran out in 2014, had been extended by just 12 months to June 30, 2015.

Premier Will Hodgman said on Wednesday night funding was not a line item in the Budget.

Meanwhile, federal and state health ministers moved yesterday to reassure Tasmanians that an agreement and funding for the hospital would come soon.