Fed: Rudd see chance to fix state-federal conflict

AAP General News (Australia)
04-12-2007
Fed: Rudd see chance to fix state-federal conflict

CANBERRA, April 12 AAP - Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd says the election of a federal
Labor government could herald a new era of harmony with the states and territories.

Friday's meeting of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) appears headed for
conflict with rows brewing over ports congestion, climate change and a $7 billion demand
from the states for a national reform agenda.

Mr Rudd says it is time to end the blame game between Canberra and the states and establish
clean lines of responsibility.

He quotes the Business Council of Australia as saying $9 billion is wasted in overlaps
between state and federal administration.

The Labor leader says becoming prime minister would present a unique opportunity for
him to fix the problem.

But Treasurer Peter Costello argues Mr Rudd would be unable to say no to the demands
of the Labor governments in all eight states and territories.

Mr Costello said in London this week that an inexperienced Labor prime minister would
be beholden to his state counterparts for finance and influence.

He says the coalition government will keep the premiers and chief ministers honest.

The Labor leaders are coming to Friday's meeting with a political agenda, the treasurer says.

Victorian Premier Steve Bracks is confident COAG will endorse the reform agenda, which
focuses on human capital, transport, energy and regulatory changes.

He does not believe his failure to follow other state leaders in signing up to the
federal government's $10 billion water security plan would hurt the reform agenda's chances.

AAP pw/it/mn

KEYWORD: COAG DAYLEAD

2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.