ABBOTT PUTS ELECTION AHEAD OF NEW HEALTH FUNDING DEAL

Health Minister Tony Abbott admitted today he considers the federal election more important than a new health funding deal for Australians.

Queensland Health Minister Stephen Robertson said he was stunned when Mr Abbott today put negotiations for a new Australian Health Care Agreement (AHCA) on hold until after the federal election.

“State and territory health ministers meeting in Melbourne requested the Commonwealth set a firm timetable for negotiations on the new national health funding arrangements.

“We also asked Mr Abbott to inform our next meeting in July how much money the Commonwealth has set aside in forward estimates for the new agreement.

“Mr Abbott rejected our requests saying nothing will happen until after the federal election.

“That’s irresponsible because the new five-year agreement starts on 1 July next year.

“An election in November would only leave seven months for us to negotiate the billions of dollars necessary to fund major reforms to improve health service delivery for Australians.

“We need certainty on the timetable now so we can get on with the job of reforming and improving the health system to meet growing demand.”

Mr Robertson said the States and territories want a fair health care agreement.

“The cost of treating hospital patients in Queensland has grown 8.2% over the past two years.

“The AHCA is meant to be a 50/50 funding arrangement between the Commonwealth and the States but Queensland currently funds 65% of health funding.

“If Commonwealth health funding had kept pace with State funding increases, Queensland’s hospitals would have received an additional $2.6 billion over the life of the current AHCA.”

“We’ve been short changed by Canberra because that extra funding would have meant more doctors, more nurses and more hospital beds.”

MEDIA: PAUL LYNCH   3234 1190