What does the Federal takeover of WA’s health system mean for O’Connor? Crook
Author: Tony Crook
Published on: 04-March-2010
The Nationals’ candidate for the Federal electorate of O’Connor Tony Crook has questioned plans for a Federal takeover of the State’s health system, saying regional health services may be neglected by shifting decision making to Canberra.
Mr Crook said management of hospitals from Canberra was unlikely to deliver good results for services in the O’Connor region and raised concerns that WA’s GST revenue would be used to prop-up the health system in the Eastern States.
“It is bad enough that WA’s GST revenue will be cut by more than $443 million under changes to the way GST is allocated – now the Federal Government wants to retain a third of the states' GST share to put directly into hospitals,” Mr Crook said.
“Is that a third of GST we currently receive, or a third of what we are meant to receive? Either way we are getting ripped off.”
Proposed changes to the allocation of GST revenue means WA will receive just 68c in every dollar of GST it contributes, however this would fall to about 45c if the Rudd Government takes control of the nation’s health system.
Mr Crook said the Federal Government’s ability to directly administer funding has been demonstrated by the total mismanagement of the insulation program.
“Now the Federal Government is trying to sell the idea that health funding will be managed by local authorities,” Mr Crook said.
“I’m all for robust, regional decision making, but my 22 years with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) tells me reality is often very different to the big ideas.
“The RFDS had more reviews than The Phantom of the Opera – telling government it was overworked supporting country hospitals, but that fell on deaf ears, until The Nationals gave regional WA a strong a voice in Parliament and addressed the situation.
“It’s difficult to imagine that these local authorities will be adequately resourced, creating another level of bureaucracy that doesn’t listen and answers to Ministers that don’t need your vote.
“This move will frustrate service delivery and put more pressure on ancillary services such as the silver chain and RFDS.”
Mr Crook said he would be more positive about the takeover if the Federal Government could prove that the changes will improve health services in all areas.
“Major parties, of both persuasions, will always concentrate on providing services in metropolitan areas where there are more votes,” Mr Crook said.
“Regional WA has a record of missing out when it comes to decisions made in Canberra, just look at their Local Community Infrastructure Program – we were sidelined for more populated areas in the East.
“My real concern is that our regional hospitals will be left in the wilderness.”
Mr Crook said regional WA needs a strong representative in Canberra and will work to reverse the rip-off and get a fair deal for WA.
