PM Transcripts

FOR MEDIA 4 DECEMBER 1989
JOINT STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER AND THE CHIEF
MINISTER OF THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
We announce today our signing of an agreement
guaranteeing Commonwealth funding for the Australian
Capital Territory's public hospital system for the next
four years.
Signature of the Agreement brings the ACT into line with
the States and the Northern Territory in regard to public
hospital funding arrangements and reflects its
independent status after self-government.
The Commonwealth grant will be indexed not only to take
account of general cost increases but also to reflect
ageing and growth of the ACT's population.
Older people are major users of hospital services and the
funding arrangements will ensure the grant keeps pace
with the general ageing of the population.
This formula will give public hospitals $ 8 million in
extra Federal funds over the four year period. The
Commonwealth grant constitutes a significant proportion
of the annual budget.
Under the new Medicare hospital agreement the ACT will
receive almost $ 43 million in 1989-90, an increase of 23%
on former funding arrangements.
The Chief Minister has indicated that the incentive money
will enable the ACT to develop and expand innovative
approaches to reduce the need for overnight admission to
hospital or to facilitate early discharge by providing*
enhanced services in the fields of post-acute and
palliative care and day surgery.
The new agreement provides further proof of Labor's
continuing commitment to the principles of Medicare, and
specifically reinforces the right of public patients to
free access to hospital services according to medical
need. Both of our Governments are committed to ensuring that
Medicare patients continue to receive comprehensive, high
quality care. In addition to the funding provided by the
ACT Government, the Commonwealth grant will enable the
ACT to maintain the fine record of its public hospitals.