The Coalition announced its health policy today, while Labor's election campaign continued to be dominated by former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
The Coalition announced its health policy today, while Labor's election campaign continued to be dominated by former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
Mr Rudd gave his first interview since being dumped on ABC radio last night.
Mr Rudd said he was putting any hurt aside to try to get Labor re-elected and save Australia from the "drift back" to Mr Abbott.
"The bottom line is I can't just stand idly by at the prospect of Mr Abbott sliding into office by default," he said.
He followed the interview up with a press conference in Brisbane this afternoon.
He said he expect to return to the campaign trail this weekend after recovering from gall bladder surgery.
"The truth is this. It has been a very difficult time for our family," he said
"[But] I can't be silent while knowing Mr Abbott has opposed those measures which kept Australia out of recession," he said.
Mr Rudd's first comment since being ousted by Julia Gillard followed her around the campaign trail today.
Ms Gillard said she would speak with Mr Rudd about his role in the last two weeks of the election campaign.
She also re-iterated that Mr Rudd would be on a re-elected Labor frontbench.
"There are a wide variety of roles he could serve in. I'll talk to him about that if we're re-elected," said Ms Gillard.
"But I think what Kevin is saying, what I'm saying is, out focus is on that all-important choice on election day."
Campaigning in Sydney Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said if the Coalition is elected the Federal Government would move to take full funding control of hospitals.
But he said it would only be with the agreement of the states and he promised it would not include GST revenue.
"We have no intention of running a tax grab, but we certainly do want to end the blame game," Mr Abbott said.
The package includes $3.1 billion for 2,800 new hospital beds.
It includes $165 million to increase GP Medicare rebates for after hour services; $2 million for grants to help GPs expand their practice; and $300m for extra GP rebates for longer consultations.
Mr Abbott also wants to introduce local health boards which he said would cut down the level of bureaucracy.
The program will be funded by re-allocating funding from Labor's health plans.
