The total cost to taxpayers for the takeover of Calvary public hospital in 2023 is more than $88 million to Calvary, plus another $76.5 million in liabilities and legal costs making a total of more than $164.5 million.

The ACT government announced on Tuesday it will pay Calvary Health Care ACT a further $65 million in final settlement for forcibly taking over its public hospital in Bruce. This is on top of the $23.2 million previously paid to Calvary in early compensation to enable it to cover payments that became due as a result of the government’s unheralded takeover.

But what the government hasn’t revealed is the cost of employee entitlements (liabilities) transferred to government ($46.5 million), or the legal costs incurred in the acquisition (around $30 million) or the net impact on the operating budget (negative $108 million).

The total cost to taxpayers is more than $88 million to Calvary, plus another $76.5 million in liabilities and legal costs making a total of more than $164.5 million.

At the time, the government’s unexpected, sudden move to acquire the property, despite Calvary having 76 years to run on its lease, was met with dismay by hospital nursing and medical staff.

The Canberra Liberals, who opposed the takeover, labelled the move as “a disgrace”.

Late last week, the government and Calvary finalised a deed of settlement and release. The negotiations had begun in May.

The government says that in coming to a settlement and agreement, the Territory has waived some debts, liabilities and other financial offsets. The territory has also entered into an operations agreement with Calvary to support ongoing collaboration in relation to the operation of the Bruce campus.

“I recognise that the acquisition and transition were stressful for many staff, and I thank the incredible teams at North Canberra Hospital and Clare Holland House that have continued to provide exceptional care as part of Canberra Health Services,” said Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith.

“Calvary will also continue to be an important partner in delivering health care in Bruce and across the ACT through its private hospitals and aged care facilities.”

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