STANHOPE’S NEGOTIATING POSITION: “LET’S GO TO THE BAR”
Having already signed off in advance on Rudd’s funding plan, reports that Jon Stanhope’s contribution to negotiations with the Prime Minister and other state leaders yesterday was “let’s go to the bar” demonstrates an incredible level of disregard for the interests of the people of the ACT. While other state leaders are working hard and fighting for every dollar for their residents, Jon Stanhope has seemingly given up on getting a better deal for the ACT, Shadow Minister for Health Jeremy Hanson said today.
“There are still a number of details about the PM’s proposal that the Chief Minister either hasn’t been able to address or he simply doesn’t know the answers to. The Opposition has sought a briefing from the Government but the Government has refused to provide one which is of great concern to me – how can the ACT Government agree to a proposal yet be unable to articulate its position and its reasons for agreeing to it?
“The $150 million figure talked about by the Chief Minister will represent around 1% of annual health spending in the ACT over the 10 year forward estimates, and we will be relinquishing 30% of our GST revenue to achieve this.
“The proposed new funding arrangements will also leave the ACT exposed to the whims of future Federal Governments. The ACT has already had a long history of being overlooked.
“The poorly handled Calvary Hospital proposal is also in doubt now, and the ACT Government now needs to inform the community if it will proceed with the $77 million purchase – soaking up nearly half the new funding.
“The issue of cross-border funding for treating NSW patients will also be made more complex, with the ACT, NSW and Commonwealth comprising three different components to pay for a NSW patient’s episode of care.
“Importantly, these proposed funding arrangements do nothing to make the shift to a primary health and preventative health focus that is so desperately needed, and there is nothing in this proposal that will enhance integration between hospital’s and the community health sector, including mental health services.
“These are only a small handful of issues that remain unaddressed by the Stanhope Labor Government, and the Chief Minister’s negotiating position, that he should just “go to the bar”, makes an absolute mockery of what is really a significant and important community issue,” Jeremy Hanson said today.
19 April 2010
