Tasmania's Doctors Demand Inquiry as Health System Faces 'Perpetual Crisis'

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) Tasmania has called for an independent inquiry into the state's health system, citing a "perpetual crisis" marked by significant patient delays, including one death due to unavailable ambulances, and over 9,500 people waiting for elective surgery[1][5][10][17]. This demand comes as the state government seeks to cut $700 million from the health department, with officials rejecting the inquiry as too costly and time-consuming[5][10][17].

Tasmanians face significant delays and inadequate care within the public health system, directly impacting patient outcomes and potentially increasing suffering. The debate over an inquiry reveals a fundamental disagreement between medical professionals and government officials on how to address these systemic issues, affecting every resident who relies on public healthcare.

What the records show

AMA Tasmania President Dr. Meg Creely stated that the state's public health system remains in a "perpetual crisis," despite numerous reviews[4][5][18]. The AMA's call for an inquiry follows the death of a patient who arrived at Royal Hobart Hospital last week after their family drove them due to ambulance unavailability[5][10][18]. The health department is investigating this incident[5][10][17]. Dr. Creely emphasized that the system's problems are interconnected, citing emergency department blockages, ambulance ramping, and workforce issues[4].

Official figures highlight significant pressures: over 9,500 people are on Tasmania's elective surgery waitlist, with fewer than two-thirds seen within recommended timeframes, and 78,000 Tasmanians are waiting for outpatient appointments[5][10][17]. The average ambulance response time in 2024–25 was 14.9 minutes[5][10][17]. Michael Lumsden-Steel, AMA Tasmania immediate past president, said an inquiry should identify the state's infrastructure needs and aim for their delivery within 10 to 12 years[11][12][16]. Dr. Creely noted that Tasmania spends approximately $3.7 billion on health annually, including nearly $105 million on medical locums in 2024–25[2][5][17].

Government Minister Nick Duigan and Health Minister Bridget Archer have rejected the proposal for a commission of inquiry[5][10][12][17]. Minister Duigan stated it would be an "expensive and time-consuming undertaking that would not contribute to a clear plan for a sustainable health system," potentially costing "tens of millions of dollars" and taking years without helping a single patient[12]. Minister Archer added that such an inquiry would duplicate existing work, including a Legislative Council inquiry into the Department of Health's financial and operational performance[5][10][17]. The government is also seeking $700 million in health department cuts through the Treasurer's Operational Efficiencies program[2][5][17].

Dr. Byron Booth, acting emergency department director at Royal Hobart Hospital, observed that elderly patients are spending "far too long" in emergency departments because home care or nursing home placements are unavailable[11][12][16]. This reflects a broader issue of "bed block" in Tasmanian hospitals, with a shortage of aged care placements causing delays, despite government efforts to bring additional beds online in July 2026[14][15]. The number of aged care beds in Tasmania decreased by 54 in the last financial year[13].

What we could not confirm

The specific findings of the Health Department's investigation into the patient death at Royal Hobart Hospital could not be confirmed[5][10][18]. It is also unclear how the government's proposed $700 million in health department cuts will impact patient services or workforce numbers[2][5][17].