WA's need for funding highlighted at Meeting today with Federal Health Minister in Melbourne

10/6/98

Health Minister Kevin Prince has again highlighted Western Australia's desperate need for more health funding at a meeting in Melbourne today with Federal Health Minister Dr Michael Wooldridge.

The meeting, arranged last month, was also attended by Federal Members of Parliament including Eoin Cameron, Don Randall, Ricky Johnson, Richard Evans and Senator Sue Knowles.

"The intent of this meeting was to reinforce the point that Western Australia's public health system is hurting, it is substantially under-funded by the Commonwealth and we need more money under the new Healthcare Agreement to maintain appropriate levels of health care, "Mr Prince said.

"I have again informed Dr Wooldridge that this State Government has injected an additional $250 million into our public health system over the past four years but it is simply not enough to meet the growing demand for free health care.

"I also highlighted the enormous pressure our public hospitals are currently experiencing due to the nurses' industrial dispute.

"The nurses' dispute is of concern to Government but so too is securing a better health deal for Western Australians and that is why I have met today with Dr Wooldridge".

Mr Prince said Dr Wooldridge was receptive to WA's pleas but did not make a commitment to give WA more money under the new Healthcare Agreement.

Further talks are planned with other Australian health ministers in the near future.

The Minister has received regular updates on the nurses' industrial action throughout the day.

Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 9221 1377