Watchdog Halts Tasmania Ramping ‘Ban’

The Tasmanian Liberals’ signature health plan to “ban” ambulance ramping has hit a speed bump days out from coming into effect after the industrial watchdog ordered the policy to be halted. The Liberals, who are aiming for a fourth term at the March 23 election, want to introduce a protocol in 2026 requiring patients to be transferred from ambulances to emergency departments within 30 minutes. Premier Jeremy Rockliff dubbed the policy as a ban on ramping where patients are unable to be shifted from ambulances to a hospital. The state’s health workforce was expected to ease into the half-hour time requirement starting with a mandated 60-minute transfer window planned to roll out on Monday before moving to 45 minutes in 2025....