Overview

• State and territory treasurers released Stephen Duckett’s analysis finding up to one in 10 hospital bed days are used by patients awaiting aged care or disability placements.
• Premiers say the latest proposal would leave the Commonwealth funding about 35% of hospital costs, below the 2023 commitments to reach 42.5% by 2030 and 45% by 2035.
• Duckett cited 12.3% health price growth for 2025–26 and said the 6.5% cap on federal funding growth is misaligned with actual costs.
• NSW officials reported about 1,100 discharge‑ready patients stuck in that system, and Premier Chris Minns warned some people could be turned away from emergency departments.
• Health Minister Mark Butler called the package generous, highlighting other health investments, and said he hopes to finalise an agreement by the end of 2025, with the new deal expected to start in July 2026.