FED:Gillard hails hospital reform deal=8

AAP General News (Australia)
08-02-2011
FED:Gillard hails hospital reform deal=8

Health Minister Nicola Roxon said the efficient price component of the deal was a major
change negotiated "long and hard".

"Without a national efficient price, the confidence that taxpayers expect, that every
health dollar is being spent sensibly, I don't think can be met," she said.

Legislation establishing the new hospital pricing authority would be introduced when
parliament resumes.

"I am confident that all of the background work that is being done in the meantime
will be able to be quickly transferred to that new authority - with one exception," she
said.

"If (Opposition Leader Tony) Mr Abbott wants to play silly buggers with it and object
to the legislation, that of course has some potential to delay the establishment of the
pricing authority."

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