One of the most important promises we made during the election campaign was ending the blame game between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories. Today’s COAG meeting in Melbourne signals the start of this core task.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is meeting with Premiers, Chief Ministers and the Australian Local Government Association today to map out the future direction for the Australian Federation over the next several years.
“We believe that ACT residents will benefit from a Federal Government that is committed to working with the ACT Government on important issues like health, education and climate change”, Bob McMullan MP said.
“Already we are seeing the positive impact of co-operative Federalism. When the Australian health ministers met earlier this month a plan of action to slash elective-surgery waiting lists was put in place”, Senator Lundy said. “We hope that an additional $100 million of Commonwealth funding for elective surgery will start flowing early 2008″.
“We are looking forward to working with the ACT Government to deliver on Labor’s promise to establish Trades Training Centres in secondary schools and colleges. It is important that we work together to address serious skills shortages”, Annette Ellis concluded.
Discussions at today’s COAG meeting will include:
 |
The future of health and hospitals; |
|
Education, skills and training; |
|
Climate change and water; |
|
Infrastructure; |
|
Business deregulation; |
|
Housing; |
|
Indigenous affairs; and |
|
Other national reform initiatives. |
Media contacts: Rachel Allen (Lundy) on 0418 488 295, Patrick Myrtle (McMullan) on 0432 147 901 or Alys Graham (Ellis) on 0438 379 977
