Image for Confusion Around Minister’s Budget Statement

Public Sector Unions today criticised Michelle O’Byrne’s announcement yesterday around further savings identified across the Department of Health and Human Services branding the announcement confusing and potentially undermining to the morale of workers.

In emails obtained by Unions it is clear that even the Southern Tasmanian Area Health Service CEO is confused and upset by the Minister’s announcement and has no idea what the major component of the savings mean.

The emails follow:

From: Holden, Jane E
Sent: Wednesday, 10 August 2011 3:26 PM
To: Holden, Jane E; Kelly, Russell J; Hlthexec - Health Executive; DE - Departmental Executive; HS Exec
Cc: Byrne, Mark A; Graham, Des; Bresnehan, Mercia A; Ganley, Ingrid; Jago, Bernadette P; Snashall, Pene; Kennedy, Emily J; Partridge, Lou; Banks, Laura; Noakes, Frank C; Arnold, Leigh; Double, Matthew; Makarewicz, Erin E; Terry, Sean (DPAC redirect); ‘Wade, Rohan (DPaC)’
Subject: RE: Communications today - heads up
I see the 26.5m one although that as discussed with budget team is a best guess and productivity doesn’t reduce budgets but does use money better so pleased this approach has been endorsed however, no business case has gone forward and I was unaware this was to be announced today. What has been grouped by to identify the first?
…

From: Holden, Jane E
Sent: Wednesday, 10 August 2011 3:21 PM
To: Kelly, Russell J; Hlthexec - Health Executive; DE - Departmental Executive; HS Exec
Cc: Byrne, Mark A; Graham, Des; Bresnehan, Mercia A; Ganley, Ingrid; Jago, Bernadette P; Snashall, Pene; Kennedy, Emily J; Partridge, Lou; Banks, Laura; Noakes, Frank C; Arnold, Leigh; Double, Matthew; Makarewicz, Erin E; Terry, Sean (DPAC redirect); ‘Wade, Rohan (DPaC)’
Subject: RE: Communications today - heads up
Importance: High
Can someone please urgently explain the two statements around redesign the Minister has announced for STAHS of 3.3m this year and 17.2m ongoing and then $5.5m this year and 26.5m ongoing.
I am not aware of any two projects in this regard. I have a JUMIC on Friday and this will be debated. I thought we were going to get a chance to review the statement before it went out, that was the promise.
Thanks
Jane