Beattie's COAG plan worth considering
Plans outlined by Queensland Premier, Peter Beattie, to set up a permanent secretariat for the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) are worthy of serious consideration, AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said today.
Dr Phelps said a permanent COAG presence in Canberra could end the practice of key issues like health being used annually as political footballs by the Commonwealth and State Governments.
"The AMA has for some time been calling for an end to the blame-shifting and cost-shifting between the Commonwealth and the States over health funding, particularly for our public hospitals, aged care and indigenous health," Dr Phelps said.
"A tangible COAG presence in Canberra and more regular COAG meetings would provide greater intellectual and political rigour to Commonwealth-State funding arrangements, something sadly lacking with health funding.
"Such a presence would also allow greater input from lobby groups and NGOs.
"The Federal Government, the Federal Opposition, and all the State and Territory Governments should closely examine Mr Beattie's proposal and get behind the idea.
"Done properly, it would lead to more responsible spending of taxpayer dollars and greater Government accountability for that spending," Dr Phelps said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
Sarah Crichton (02) 6270 5472 / (0419) 440 076