Fed: States talk health ahead of COAG meeting=2

AAP General News (Australia)
04-13-2010
Fed: States talk health ahead of COAG meeting=2

Health Minister Nicola Roxon says there is still plenty of time to negotiate an agreement,
but the government remains convinced its plan is comprehensive and deliverable.

"We fear that some of the proposal that Premier Brumby is putting forward is simply
unrealistic in terms of their financial investments that they would require," she told
ABC Radio.

"We don't think business as usual is going to deliver a sustainable health system into
the future."

Ms Roxon said the government's preference was to reach an agreement at next Monday's meeting.

"If we are not able to though we are not afraid of holding a referendum and we will
take steps immediately to have legislation put to the parliament," she said.

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