Equality Tasmania has urged the state government to step in and ensure key health services continue following today’s decision by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to allow the sale of Hobart Private Hospital to Calvary Health Care.
The sale of one of Tasmania’s few private hospitals to the Catholic healthcare provider has raised concerns that some services may no longer be available once the takeover is completed. Equality Tasmania has expressed concerns about gender affirming care, pregnancy termination services and access to fertility treatments.
Equality Tasmania spokesperson Yalei Wilson said the decision was disappointing.
“We are very disappointed by the ACCC’s decision because we believe it has failed to protect consumers and the essential health services they deserve,” Wilson said.
“Currently, Calvary hospitals do not provide gender affirming surgeries for trans and gender-diverse people.
“Hobart Private does provide these services, and we are concerned they may no longer be available if Calvary takes over.
“This could mean trans and gender-diverse Tasmanians may need to seek treatment interstate, creating additional costs for patients and potentially for the state government.”
Wilson called on the Tasmanian Government to ensure existing services remain available.
“We urge the State Government to step in and ensure existing services continue in Tasmania without disruption.”
Wilson said Equality Tasmania believes Calvary’s position on some health services may be inconsistent with Tasmania’s Anti-Discrimination Act.
“We have written to the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner asking her to conduct an inquiry.”
“We also believe there is a double standard because Calvary permits some procedures, such as breast enhancement surgery for cisgender women and gynecomastia surgery for cisgender men, while not offering comparable procedures for transgender patients.”
Wilson said Equality Tasmania was also concerned the takeover could make it more difficult for Tasmanians, including LGBTIQA+ people, to access fertility treatments, contraception, maternity care and surgical terminations.
Responding previously to the proposed acquisitions, Damien Bruce, National Chief Executive Officer of Calvary Health Care, said the organisation remained committed to delivering high-quality healthcare.
“These acquisitions reflect Calvary’s long-standing commitment to caring for communities and ensuring the ongoing availability of high-quality private hospital services.”
Calgary announced their purchase of the hospital from embattled health provider Healthscope in December 2025. The company got into financial trouble with debts of 1.6 billion, leading to the sell off its major assets.
