Health

There has been a lot of spin and political games being played by all members of the Media and by OUR elected representatives. There is no arguing that the health system throughout the various States and Territories of Australia is in need of structural reform. However I am a little dismayed that our Prime Minister, Mr Rudd, appears to be more concerned with political point scoring than he does with a consultative solution.

I have tried to seek clarity in the dust cloud of spin, yet have been unable to get the answers I need to make an informed decision. Can anyone provide guidance or point me in the direction that will provide the answers to the following?

1. NSW spend how much on health at present? What proportion of the budget does this consume? what percentage of total health spending is this?
2. The federal government spend how much? what percentage of the federal budget is this? what percentage of the total spend in NSW is this?
3. The 30% of the GST revenue which will be withheld will that be coming from the total GST pool or after the allocation to each state/territory?
4. If it comes after the allocation to the states, does that mean that NSW, which is a net contributor under the current GST allocation system, will be paying for the health care in other states with our GST money?
5. The 40% NSW will have to pay under the new system and the 30% of GST being withheld equal how much in dollar terms? What proportion of the NSW budget is that? (leave the 30% GSt in the budget fugure for calculation purposes as it is NSW money being re-branded)
6. What will be the size reduction in the NSW Health bureaucracy? The increase in size/cost of the federal bureaucracy? is there a net gain or loss in size/cost?
7. Will there be a net increase in the funds flowing to the front line services for: hospitals? Aged Care? Disability services? mental health?
8. What effect will the new system have on the ability of states to reduce other taxes over time? i.e Payroll and stamp duty?

I think these questions are important and really should be considered before any rash decisions are made.