“We are very disappointed by the ACCC's decision because it has failed in its job to protect consumers and the essential health services they deserve."
"Currently, Calvary hospitals do not allow gender affirming surgeries for trans and gender diverse people.”
“Hobart Private does allow such surgeries, so when Calvary takes over we can expect gender affirming surgeries to cease."
“This may mean trans and gender diverse Tasmanians have to seek treatment interstate, at great expense to themselves and to the state government."
"We urge the State Government to step in and ensure existing services continue in Tasmania without disruption."
Mx Wilson went on to say Calvary's refusal to provide some health services is discriminatory.
“Calvary’s stance is clearly a violation of the Anti-Discrimination Act and we have written to the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner asking her to conduct an inquiry.”
"Calvary’s stance is also a double-standard given that it allows gender affirming surgeries like breast enhancements for cisgender women and gynecomastia surgery for cisgender men, but not the same surgeries for trans people.”
“We are also concerned that a Calvary takeover will make it harder for all Tasmanians, including LGBTIQA+ people, to access fertility treatments, contraceptive medication and surgeries, natal care and surgical terminations.”
For a copy of this statement on the web, click here
The statement from the ACCC is below.
For more information contact Yalei Wilson via yalei.wilson@equalitytasmania.org.au
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Good afternoon
Thank you for your engagement during the ACCC’s assessment of Little Company of Mary Health Care Ltd’s (Calvary) proposed acquisition of the business and assets of Hobart Private Hospital (Hobart Private) from Healthscope (the Acquisition).
We are emailing to advise you that, on 27 August 2026, the ACCC made a determination approving the Acquisition.
In making the determination, the ACCC gave careful consideration to concerns raised by third parties, including medical practitioners and industry groups, that some services would no longer be provided at Hobart Private if it was acquired by Calvary.
In this case, the ACCC considered that there was no real likelihood of an alternative buyer, and there was a real prospect that Hobart Private would stop operating as a private hospital without the Acquisition. This would likely result in the loss of certain private hospital services in the Hobart region even if Calvary did not acquire the hospital.
The ACCC’s determination and reasons for making the determination as well as further information about the Acquisition are available on the ACCC’s Acquisitions Register.
Kind regards
Mergers & Exemptions Assessment Division
