Fed: Rudd's first meeting with state and territory leaders

AAP General News (Australia)
12-20-2007
Fed: Rudd's first meeting with state and territory leaders

States and territories will battle it out today for their share of a 100 million dollar
injection of Commonwealth funds designed to slash hospital waiting lists.

The Council of Australian Governments is meeting in Melbourne .. in Prime Minister
KEVIN RUDD'S first chance to meet his state and territory counterparts.

COAG is a key instrument for guiding federal-state relations and reform initiatives
.. and this meeting is expected to be dominated by health and indigenous affairs.

The leaders will also consider proposals to improve business deregulation .. housing
.. water and climate change.

Queensland Premier ANNA BLIGH says the meeting is an opportunity to improve the health
system and reduce duplication of services.

Victorian Premier JOHN BRUMBY says he wants COAG to spur reform on hospitals .. education
and climate change.

Mr RUDD says he wants COAG to meet every three months in 2008.

AAP RTV kc/wz/crh

KEYWORD: COAG (CANBERRA)

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