Watchdog Halts Tasmania Ramping ‘Ban’

An ambulance is parked in front of the Emergency and Trauma service at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, on July 21, 2022. Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

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.