Fed: Govt committed to Mersey takeover, Abbott says

AAP General News (Australia)
08-23-2007
Fed: Govt committed to Mersey takeover, Abbott says

Federal Health Minister TONY ABBOTT denies Tasmanian government claims the commonwealth
may pull out of plans to take over the Mersey Hospital.

The Prime Minister announced plans last month to fund a community takeover of the hospital
.. which has been earmarked for downgrading by the state government against the wishes
of the local community.

This week the Tasmanian government offered to sell Mersey to the commonwealth for a dollar.

Mr ABBOTT has referred the offer to lawyers for due diligence checks .. leading his
state counterpart LARA GIDDINGS to accuse him of delaying tactics.





Ms GIDDINGS says Mr ABBOTT's been backsliding since Mr HOWARD made the announcement
.. because he knows the takeover plan is unsafe and unsustainable.

But Mr ABBOTT denies the commonwealth is trying to get out of its promise .. and says
it's very enthusiastic about the chance to produce a commonwealth-funded .. community-controlled
hospital.

AAP RTV mfh/sb/imc/tm/wz/af

KEYWORD: MERSEY (CANBERRA)

2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.