State Liberals back away from health reform plan
The GST deal that funds the Gillard government’s health reforms may have to be modified, according to a report in The Australian.
Health Minister, Nicola Roxon, has conceded that changes may be required as she faces growing opposition from Liberal premiers and leaders.
New South Wales Opposition Leader, Barry O’Farrell, became the third Liberal leader to declare that he would not sacrifice a third of his state’s GST revenues to the Commonwealth if he wins the state election in March.
West Australian Premier, Colin Barnett, has never agreed to the health deal, and newly elected Victorian Premier, Ted Baillieu, says he will not hand back 24% of the GST if it leaves the state worse off.
Liberal leaders in Queensland and South Australia have joined the campaign, declaring their opposition to the health deal, which has not yet been signed by a state government eight months after seven of the eight states and territories agreed to the reforms.
