FED: Lees gives support to Senate health care inquiry bid

AAP General News (Australia)
08-08-1999
FED: Lees gives support to Senate health care inquiry bid

A Senate inquiry could be held into Medicare and the public health system following support
for the proposal from Australian Democrats Leader MEG LEES.

Labor health ministers and opposition health spokespeople last week called for a Senate
inquiry into public health after Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD refused to support a Productivity
Commission inquiry on the issue.

Their call followed a bid by New South Wales Premier BOB CARR and South Australian Premier
JOHN OLSEN to canvass support for a state and territory-driven inquiry if Mr HOWARD refuses to
relent on a Productivity Commission investigation.

Senator LEES has indicated her party will discuss the issue tomorrow and may support a
Senate inquiry.

She has told ABC radio she wants to discuss terms of reference of a Senate inquiry with
Labor as well as the states.

AAP RTV msl/rat/shm

KEYWORD: MEDICARE (CANBERRA)

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