The Canberra Liberals will today vote against the disgraceful Health Infrastructure Enabling Bill that will allow the ACT Labor-Greens government to forcibly acquire Calvary Hospital.

Acting Opposition Leader Jeremy Hanson said not only do the Canberra Liberals strongly condemn how the Bill is being rammed through the assembly by the government but are vehemently opposed to the draconian takeover of Calvary.

“Many Canberrans are rightly appalled by this forced takeover of Calvary Hospital and there is a lot of anger in the community about it,” Mr Hanson said.

“Since the Chief Minister and Health Minister made the announcement three weeks ago, many Canberrans including doctors, nurses, faith groups, unions and even Federal Labor MP’s have all raised significant concerns.

“The way in which the ACT Labor-Greens government have gone about this is a disgrace and Canberrans should rightly be concerned with how the entire process has played out and the potential ramifications moving forward.

“For the government to come in without warning or consultation and forcibly takeover Calvary hospital is the action of a dictatorial government that is out of control and many other organisations in Canberra are concerned if they will be next.”

Mr Hanson said Calvary Hospital who have 76 years to run on their contract have been running a good health service in the ACT for a long time and this takeover has left staff at Calvary distressed.

“Many of the 1800 staff work at Calvary due to its good culture and do not want to work under Canberra Health Services who have long had issues with their culture as highlighted by a number of surveys.

“If the legislation passes the Assembly today, the Canberra Liberals have significant concerns with the short transition period and what it will mean for the staff and health services within the ACT,” Mr Hanson concluded.