Vic: Health care the biggest issue facing Australia, Bracks

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Vic: Health care the biggest issue facing Australia, Bracks

Victorian Premier STEVE BRACKS says health care is the biggest issue facing Australiaand he can't understand why the prime minister doesn't want to discuss it.

Mr BRACKS has added his voice to a chorus of angry state and territory leaders callingfor an overhaul of the health system.

The states have asked Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD to put public hospital funding andreform on the agenda of the Council of Australian Governments meeting on August 29.

The states' deadline for accepting a federal government five-year public hospital fundingplan -- totalling $42 billion -- falls two days after the COAG meeting.

Speaking at Melbourne's Alfred hospital today, Mr BRACKS says health reform is thebiggest issue for Australian families.

Mr BRACKS says he can't understand why the prime minister wouldn't want to deal withthe biggest issue facing the nation.

New South Wales Premier BOB CARR, also in Melbourne, says the state governments willbe asking for an extension of time to look at the federal government's offer.

AAP RTV kh/gfr/jas

KEYWORD: HEALTH BRACKS (MELBOURNE)