Premier Jeremy Rockliff said important progress was made at today’s National Cabinet meeting in Canberra in relation to health funding and extending the GST no worse off guarantee.
“The Commonwealth’s commitment to increasing the National health reform Agreement to 45 per cent over the next 10 years is welcome, the Tasmanian Liberal Government will however continue to fight for equal 50-50 funding,” Premier Rockliff said.
“Tasmania’s hospitals are facing unprecedented pressure due to increasing emergency department presentations, and there is a clear need for increased funding from the Federal Labor Government.
“The Tasmanian Liberal Government has repeatedly been stepping into the primary health care space to deliver innovative solutions to improve access to GPs. We have also partnered with the Federal Government to establish the single-employer model and the Medicare Urgent Care Clinics.
“We acknowledge the Federal Government’s additional investment for the Medicare Urgent Care Clinics and look forward to seeing more established
In Tasmania, as well as additional funding to ensure viability over the long term.”
Premier Rockliff welcomed the extension of the GST No Worse Off Guarantee for another three years.
“We have continued to fight for Tasmania’s fair share of GST, which is critical to the State’s finances and represents about $324 million in revenue to the State over the Budget and Forward Estimates,” Premier Rockliff said.
Premier Rockliff said National Cabinet also agreed to work together to ensure the NDIS continues to provide support to future generations of Australians with a disability.
“We are committed to improving the experience of NDIS participants, working together on legislative changes and ensuring the model is sustainable.”
National Cabinet also agreed to implement a National Firearms Register.
“Tasmania already has some of the strongest firearm laws in the country and this national register will further help keep Tasmanians, and all Australians, safer,” Premier Rockliff said.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government will continue to fight for the things that matter most to our community, including funding for health.
