Fed: Barnett says he will reach agreement with commonwealth

AAP General News (Australia)
04-21-2010
Fed: Barnett says he will reach agreement with commonwealth

West Australian Premier COLIN BARNETT says he's not a spoiler nor is he seeking to
be a hometown hero .. by refusing to hand over a chunk of GST for KEVIN RUDD's health
plan.

WA's the only state or territory not to sign up to the health and hospital reforms
after two days of heavy duty negotations in Canberra.

Today Mr BARNETT's backed away from talk that the intergovernmental agreement will
fall over without him.

And he's told ABC radio he expects he and the prime minister will reach an agreement
on the GST over the coming weeks.

He says he just doesn't want to open the door for the commonwealth to take more GST
money for health or perhaps education.

AAP RTV mb/rl/jmt

KEYWORD: HOSPITALS WA (CANBERRA)

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