Opinion: Buck-passing health review timed for federal election

If anyone is wondering why the State Government has waited until now to launch its health review, they might consider this, writes Jessica Marszalek.

If anyone was wondering why the State Government has waited until now to launch its health review, they might consider the timing of the federal election.

After facing a cacophony of calls for the most part of a year for reviews into various parts of the health system – from ramping, bed numbers, workforce planning, the growing mental health crisis and the shocking state of palliative care – Health Minister Yvette D’Ath has finally called an inquiry.

It’s just not into any of those things.

Instead, the Parliament’s health and environment committee will meet over coming months and report back in March into how the Commonwealth isn’t pulling its weight when it comes to health funding

And, oh, well would you look at that, it’s report will come out just in time for the federal poll, where of course health will be a key election issue.

It’s not like the funding of GPs through abysmal Medicare rebates, the shocking fall off in private health care membership, and federal funding models aren’t legitimate areas for inquiry and reform. But it is only half the story.

Queensland Health makes up over a third of the State Budget and has its own problems and need for reform.

D’Ath would just rather delve into those issues behind the scenes, away from the glare of a public inquiry.

Recommendations for the Commonwealth health system can’t be effected by the Government, but they’ll sure provide a lot of political fodder.