Brown talks tough on health in Senate

14 Mar 2010, 3:51 pm   -   Source: AAP
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Bob Brown. (AAP)

Bob Brown. (AAP)

Greens Leader Bob Brown says the PM will have to talk to and negotiate with his party if he wants to get his health reforms through the Senate.

Days after the government tried to paint the Federal Opposition as 'obstructionist' in the Senate, Greens leader Bob Brown has said the prime minister will have to negotiate with him to get his hospitals reform plan through- even if the states and territories sign up.

Kevin Rudd has met with the NSW and Queensland premiers in the last few days to try and convince them to give up a third of their GST revenue to fund his local hospital networks.

The prime minister is meeting Victorian Premier John Brumby on Sunday.

But Senator Brown says the crossbench senators will have the final say when the reform plan is put to federal parliament.

"After meeting the several premiers and chief ministers he's going to have to deal with the Senate," the Greens leader told reporters in Canberra.

"He does have to take into account, ultimately, the Senate.

"The opposition's going to block on health again (but) we're in a very positive mood."

However, Senator Brown said for a deal to be done "it will require us being able to talk with the prime minister".

The Greens want "better outcomes" across the board, including a reassurance that there'll be no wide-scale closures of regional health services.

"We also want to know about dental healthcare," Senator Brown said.

"The Greens have been advocating a universal dental healthcare system.

"Here's the big opportunity."

The Greens are expected to announce their complete health policy in the coming weeks.

 

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