FED: Abbott says he's wised up since proposing hospital takeover

AAP General News (Australia)
08-24-2007
FED: Abbott says he's wised up since proposing hospital takeover

Health Minister TONY ABBOTT says he wouldn't support a federal takeover of public hospitals
today .. even though he raised the idea a couple of years ago.

Mr ABBOTT says he's become wiser and more experienced since he first came up with the
idea .. and says any reform of the hospital system needs to make sure it doesn't make
the situation worse.

Labor leader KEVIN RUDD unveiled a two billion dollar carrot for the states yesterday
.. aimed at improving the health system with upfront funding and bonus payments for meeting
targets.

But if the states don't agree .. a federal Labor government could take financial control
of Australia's 750 public hospitals.

Mr ABBOTT has told the Nine network the plan is a stunt which could make things worse.

AAP RTV ag/crh/bart

KEYWORD: HEALTH LABOR ABBOTT (CANBERRA)

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