The $586 million redevelopment of the Royal Hobart Hospital is almost 18 months behind schedule, says Denison MP Andrew Wilkie.
"This is simply not good enough from a Labor-Greens State Government, which really should be putting the interests of Tasmanian firms and Tasmanian workers ahead of mainlanders," he said.
Mr Wilkie has raised concerns the lead contractor on the site has already started looking at interstate workers for the job, one of the biggest in Tasmania's history.
"The tender for major expansion works milestone was due October 2011," he said.
"This slippage in the timeline does not mean that the rebuild will not be achieved.
In fact, achieving the timeline for a complex job like this was always going to be difficult, and, indeed, quite a bit of preparatory work has been undertaken already.
"But the slippage by nearly 18 months after just two years is entirely avoidable and unacceptable.
The [State] Government needs to get a grip of this project immediately because, by allowing such a delay, it has managed to put the whole of Tasmania on the Royal's waiting list."
The State Government said the work was going to plan.
Mr Wilkie said he had a major concern about bringing in workers.
He said the company chosen to be the managing contractor had already been putting out expressions of interest for subcontract work from mostly mainland firms.
Mr Wilkie said many local businesses had raised the issue with him.
Health Minister Michelle O'Byrne said the project was already improving services and creating jobs.
Ms O'Byrne said discussions were continuing with the proposed managing contractor and it was wrong to suggest they were seeking to export jobs.
"The project is creating hundreds of jobs for Tasmanians right now," she said.
"Anyone who drives past the Royal will see it is a bustling construction site.
"During 2012, more than 175 tradespeople have been employed on the project, the vast majority Tasmanians. We expect double that number on the site during 2013."'
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