State and territory governments have reacted angrily to a letter from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in September asking them to rein in hospital spending.
This comes amid negotiations for the next five-year funding agreement to determine the federal government’s contribution to state-run public hospitals.
The states are angry because hospitals are under intense pressure. Demand is rising, emergency departments are packed, and workers are stressed. More money will be needed as Australians get older and sicker.
