Tasmanian Speaker Sue Hickey appears to back away from demand Government build rehabilitation centre

Speaker Sue Hickey appears to have backed away from a demand the Government build a 50-bed rehabilitation centre.

SPEAKER Sue Hickey appears to have backed away from a demand the Government build a 50-bed rehabilitation centre — saying the same result may be achieved by other means.

In parliament yesterday, Premier Will Hodgman evaded questions on the Government’s plans for the centre in Greater Hobart.

The creation of an alcohol, drug and mental health rehabilitation centre in Greater Hobart was apparently a promise Ms Hickey extracted from the Premier in order to keep her in the Liberal Party after she was frozen out of the recent Cabinet reshuffle.

Mr Hodgman was asked about plans for the centre repeatedly in Parliament yesterday, but did not give a definitive answer.

Premier Will Hodgman addresses the Tasmanian House of Assembly.

He instead disputed claims his Government was planning health funding cuts.

In a joint statement released last night with Mental Health Minister Jeremy Rockliff, Ms Hickey appeared to leave open the possibility that the facility might not materialise, saying the Government could support mental health in other ways.

Sue Hickey. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

“The Minister and I both agree it is best not to be too prescriptive on what that support looks like right now,” Ms Hickey, Liberal Member for Clark, said.

“This journey for world’s best practice mental health, alcohol and drug recovery is in its infancy so full costings are not yet possible. We need to consult with the sector about what they think that support should look like, and the families of people they may help.

“I am very passionate about these issues and am pleased to work with the Minister in the best interest of this cause, whatever it may eventually look like.”

Labor leader Rebecca White said Ms Hickey had been sold a pup.

Labor leader Rebecca White.

“It seemed quite clear to me today that Premier Will Hodgman has backed away from the promise to deliver a 50-bed mental health facility,” she said.

“This is a question now for Sue Hickey. Does she remain committed to a 50-bed mental health facility. And what will she do?

“Is she going to force the Government to deliver on their promise. Because this a couple of weeks ago was the biggest issue for the member for Clark.”