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Leaked memo shows health summit's real agenda

A leaked memo has revealed the real agenda of the health summit, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson, said today.

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13 August 2003

Leaked memo shows health summit's real agenda

A leaked memo has revealed the real agenda of the health summit, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson, said today.

"You can imagine our surprise when we learned from a leaked email sent by New South Wales' Professor John Dwyer that the organisers plan to have New South Wales Premier, Bob Carr, address the summit on behalf of all States and Territories," she said.

"Unfortunately, while many groups will attend the summit with a view to putting forward a positive contribution, what this leaked document shows is that the summit has been hijacked by NSW with the end result being a grab by the bigger States for a greater share of the health budget.

"I would imagine there is a good deal of concern from the other States and Territories, who must be nervous that New South Wales is claiming to speak on behalf of all States and Territories.

"I am concerned that the summit is in danger of being hijacked by New South Wales for its own interests.

"I know that some of the other States have expressed concern that New South Wales is trying to dominate proceedings and take over the health reform agenda. That would not be in the national interest.

"We must continue to work together in the interests of all Australians and I do not believe that the key proposal of the summit - the Australian Health Care Reform Commission - is in the best interests of Australians.

"This costly proposal will saddle us with an unnecessary new layer of administration and create significant new costs for all Governments.This money would be better spent by putting it into health services."

"I believe the other States and Territories should be concerned that NSW would seek to dominate such a commission, which would be largely unaccountable to patients."

Senator Patterson, in conjunction with other Health Ministers, has started a co-operative reform process.

"We have made a lot of progress with the advice from expert clinicians," she said.

"There are things that we can do now to deliver better patient outcomes and make a difference to the health of Australians.

"All it needs is the political will. I hope that the State and Territory Health Ministers will sign-up to the record hospital funding deal which is on the table. We can then get on with the all-important reform agenda.

"Between the States and the Commonwealth, well over $40 billion is spent each year on health care. I am certain that we can do better and make more effective use of these funds.

"Despite our political difference, I have enjoyed a civil and co-operative working relationship with fellow Health Ministers.

Senator Patterson has written to more than 60 expert clinicians and stakeholders involved in the process to update them on the progress of the health reform agenda.

She has requested the Department of Health and Ageing to ensure that the Commonwealth continues to work with health experts and stakeholders to progress reform for the benefit of patients.

Media inquiries: Randal Markey, Media Adviser, Senator Patterson's office, 02 6277 7220.