However it was not clarified by a government spokesperson if the new diabetes funding incentive is dependent on the states adopting Mr. Rudd ™s new funding and operational model for hospitals. In the run up to the COAG the federal government may unveil more surprises to the health care plan to give added incentives to the states to sign up.

In response John Brumby, the Victorian premier had this to say There's lots more discussion that's gonna be needed to make progress on this issue. But we had good discussions yesterday. I think they were harder and tougher - that's an honest assessment - today

John Brumby of Victoria and Colin Barnett of Western Australia are going to be the most difficult of all the state Premiers for the Prime Minister to convince. For Mr Brumby the immediate increase of annual funding by $1.2 billion and more funds for the emergency department is a priority. Tony Abbot is supporting the government ™s health plan in principle, but what will eventually transpire is anybody ™s guess.