Suddenly we’re into election debating season. For that you can thank the dud Parliamentary tactics of both sides.
Health reform
A bar brawlin’ Question Time
Yesterday’s Question Time was most exciting, with Tony Abbott and Kevin Rudd flexing their health muscles (and vocal cords) with some early election campaigning and Julia Gillard wiping the floor with her opponents.
What we can learn from the Cuban health system
Earlier this week a doctor put the skids under the PM’s health reform sales bandwagon, by suggesting he should take a leaf out of Cuba’s book. What exactly is so special about the Cuban health system? asks Melissa Sweet.
Battle of the narratives makes for distracting viewing
Yesterday’s Question Time was the battle of the narratives, with the government focusing most of its questions on health, and the Opposition doing likewise on parental leave.
Ruddivirus: coming to a hospital near you
Public hospitals are the battleground in Kevin Rudd’s re-election campaign — and the “cooperative federalist” is targeting state governments.
And you thought we were discussing health reform? You fool
Kevin Rudd has a bad habit of making an announcement a day rather than properly selling important policies. Let’s see him change his approach on health reform.
Menadue: Why the states should back Rudd’s health reform
The Government’s announcements on hospital reform are bold and deserve widespread support, writes John Menadue. The government is to be applauded and encouraged.
Former senior health bureaucrat gives Rudd’s health plan an average pass
While it’s disappointing that Kevin Rudd has decided to tackle health system problems in a piecemeal way (hospitals, then primary care, then prevention and so on), it is a pretty good start, writes Robert Wells.
You say you want a referendum?
Kevin Rudd is threatening the states with a constitutional referendum on health, but history doesn’t bode well for his chances, explains Peter Brent.
Rudd’s hospital reform: taking the pundits’ pulse
Kevin Rudd’s plans for public hospital reform have been met with a mixed bag of responses — doctors like it, many State governments don’t, and subeditors across the land are having a field day with bad medical puns.
Roll out, roll out: new health policy comes complete with snappy slogan
Today’s health reform package enables the Government to get voters’ attention back onto an issue that, for all the criticism of Rudd for delay in launching the package, presents substantial advantages for Labor, writes Bernard Keane.
Top 10 health reform questions for the PM
While Prime Minister Kevin Rudd today is unveiling his government’s plans for health reform, what should journalists be asking him and ministers Nicola Roxon and Warren Snowdon in the days that follow? Melissa Sweet reports.
Health reforms won’t revive dying federalism
That gurgling sound is Australian federalism dying as Kevin Rudd announces his health reform package.
The questions the journos should throw Rudd
Health reform is hitting the headlines, and the PM is due to address the National Press Club on health reform. Croakey asks a bunch of medical experts; what are the key questions journalists should about his health reform plans?
Expert calls for health inequalities to be on the election agenda
Successive Australian governments have failed to tackle the social and economic inequities that result in some people having shorter, unhealthier lives than others, writes Melissa Sweet.
Memo to Rudd: here is how you can win cred on health reform
What if the sum total of health reform in the Rudd government’s first term amounts to a big fat zilch? Health ministers are meeting today and Croakey’s experts have gathered to give their advice.
Election year politics of health reform
The first shots have been fired in what will be an extended battle over health care in this election year, writes Dr Tom Keating, and the policy differences between the major parties coming are substantial.
Rudd offers tough policy meat for the Australia Day BBQ
Kevin Rudd’s Australia Day speeches weren’t just a celebration of wonkery. He was laying the groundwork for the Government’s election campaign and its second term.
Health reform dithering risks a desperate and dateless government
COAG has reneged on its obligations to the Australian health sector, hastily concocting a “plan to make a plan” some time next year, writes Jennifer Doggett.
Is the government backing out of serious health reform?
We’re not even close to serious health reform in Australia – no matter how good the PR spin — and if you’re expecting anything meaningful to happen before 2020, bad luck, says Professor Ian Hickie.
Bill Maher: Fat people can’t complain about health care reform
Comedian Bill Maher proposes a new rule: you can’t complain about health care reform if you’re not willing to reform your own health. Teabaggers, he’s looking at you.
Prospects for health reform just got worse
The prospects for health reform in the near future just reduced considerably with the Senate’s rejection of the legislation to reduce the private health insurance (PHI) rebates for high income earners, writes Robert Wells.
Liveblog: Obama addresses Congress on health care
According to Fox News, Obama has done 28 speeches on health care. But tonight’s speech to a joint session of Congress is make or break for his health reform plans (not to mention his presidency). Politico is also liveblogging with a slightly straighter take on the speech. Watch it live here.
Mall-walking: the next big thing in health reform?
Health isn’t just a matter for health professionals and doctors. Which is why health promotion may be coming to a shopping centre near you soon, writes Paul Dugdale.
Consumer advocate goes eye to eye with ophthalmologists
Exploiting a vulnerable health consumer is unethical behaviour for a professional group campaigning to maintain their high incomes. Which is exactly what ophthalmologists are doing, writes Carol Bennett.
