AN analysis by the State Government has revealed the Federal Government’s carbon tax has cost Latrobe Regional Hospital an additional $72,900 in energy costs over the past six months.
The detailed analysis of energy bills by the Department of Health showed 17 per cent of LRH’s energy costs, incorporating carbon emissions and the carbon price, was attributable to the carbon tax.
A statement from Health Minister David Davis on Tuesday condemned the Federal Government for its tax which he said had cost the Victorian public healthcare system $6.7 million in the six months to the end of December.
“The (State Government) wants our hospitals to spend their money on treating extra patients rather than an energy hike,” Mr Davis said.
He said the carbon price was having a “very real impact” on the budgets of Victorian hospitals, resulting in a slower growth in services than would otherwise be possible.
