QLD: Vote of states should be able to order probe: Beattie

AAP General News (Australia)
08-06-1999
QLD: Vote of states should be able to order probe: Beattie

Queensland Premier PETER BEATTIE says agreement from a majority of states and territories
should be enough to instigate an inquiry into Australia's ailing health system.

Mr BEATTIE has backed calls for a special premiers conference to discuss the states and
territories establishing a productivity inquiry investigation into the health system.

He's accused the Commonwealth of behaving like an ostrich on health, claiming they've
squibbed it.

The Premier says from now on, problems in the health system will lie squarely at the feet
of the commonwealth government.

Mr BEATTIE says the states and territories should run and fund their own inquiry.

He says while all states should cooperate, a majority is all that's needed to begin the
process.

AAP RTV sls/jms/am

KEYWORD: MEDICARE BEATTIE (BRISBANE)

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