Abbott solution to federation no solution

Comments on Paul Kelly “A blueprint for rule” – comments on Tony Abbott’s new book, 25/07/2009, http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25831896-12250,00.html

Mr Abbott experienced some of the problems of the Australian federation and seemed to be frustrated, not only or necessarily by those problems or failures, but by the Liberals loss at the last federal election in 2007.

His solution appears to be a response to Rudd’s election promise of a national takeover of public hospitals from the States if they do improve by the middle of 2009.

Both reflect Abbott’s further failure as a federal politician and his inability to lead the national health portfolio. It is regrettable for him and for the nation.

As a result, both Abbott’s diagnose of the problems or failures and his solution are knee-jerking reactions, as opposed to careful analysis and true leadership based on a rational vision for a better Australian federation.

There is neither a need to change the Australia constitution, nor an abolition of States, nor an increase of the Federal government. There are better and more effective solutions.

For example, the national public hospital system has mostly been funded by federal healthcare grants, a special purpose payment (SPP). The national government should have been able to specify conditions for State governments to meet, or to make changes by the federal government. The federal government have the power to do it and there is no need to change the constitution or federation.

Even for other untied federal grants to the States, the federal government should be able to change them to SPPs and attach conditions.

Australia federation works reasonably well in international standards. Short term politics should not be used to change the constitution.

Abbott had a nice try, but that was not enough.