Groups concerned about the sale of Hobart Private Hospital to Catholic Hospital Calvary have asked the Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Commissioner to inquire into discrimination that may arise because of the sale.
The Catholic hospital announced it would take over the Hobart Private Hospital from Healthscope in December.
“These acquisitions reflect Calvary’s long-standing commitment to caring for communities and ensuring the ongoing availability of high-quality private hospital services,” said Damien Bruce, National Chief Executive Officer of Calvary Health Care.
Equality Tasmania, Women’s Health Tasmania and Working It Out have written to the Commissioner noting that gender affirming surgeries are currently only available at Hobart Private but not at Calvary, meaning the sale could see an end to such procedures in Tasmania.
The groups also say the sale will reduce access to fertility treatments, contraceptive surgeries and surgical terminations over 14 weeks. They ask the Commissioner to inquire into whether this reduction would lead to more discrimination on the grounds off gender and family responsibilities.
Equality Tasmania spokesperson and clinical psychologist, Yalei Wilson, said they believe the current practices are unlawful.
“We believe Calvary’s refusal to allow gender affirming surgeries is already unlawful under Tasmania’s Anti-Discrimination Act.”
“The problem will be exacerbated if and when Calvary takes over the only hospital actually providing this service.”
“We urge the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner to conduct an inquiry that looks at local medical services for trans and gender diverse Tasmanians through the lens of the Anti-Discrimination Act, and makes recommendations that reduce discrimination.”
Wilson went on to share concern about a range of services that could potentially be cut.
“The availability of fertility treatments, contraceptive surgeries and surgical terminations are also of concern to many Tasmanians and may be reduced by Calvary’s purchase of Hobart Private.”
“Contraceptive and termination services can be gender-specific, meaning a reduction in those services could constitute discriminate against women or against men.”
“A reduction in those services could also potentially discriminate on the grounds of family responsibilities because it increases the possibility couples will have more children than they planned for or can afford.”
“The Anti-Discrimination Commissioner’s perspective on all these issues is required to ensure all Tasmanians are treated fairly and equally.” Wilson said.
Catholic Hospital Calvary were contact but did not respond to OUTinPerth’s inquiry.
