Access to musculoskeletal health services

We, the undersigned citizens of Tasmania, draw to the attention of the House:

1.      That one in four Tasmanians live with arthritis and related musculoskeletal conditions leading to significant inflammation and pain.

2.      That Tasmanians living with arthritis deserve access to appropriate clinical services statewide but that those living in the north and north west are currently significantly disadvantaged in accessing appropriate care.

3.      That the Liberal Government committed $6 million in the 2023 State Budget for the establishment of Statewide Musculoskeletal (MSK) Services including the development of permanent northern based Persistent Pain and Rheumatology services.

4.      That despite this commitment, implementation progress has halted and funding is reportedly no longer available. Instead a handful of one-off outpatient clinics has been substituted, supplemented by telehealth services.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to:

1.      Recognise the need of northern and north western Tasmanians to be able to access appropriate clinical care including treatment for arthritis and persistent pain.

2.      Call upon the Government to deliver its 2023 Budget commitment to establish Statewide Musculoskeletal (MSK) services including the development of permanent northern based rheumatology services and persistent pain clinics.