Fiona, this is a brilliant article, with deep insight. The Federal Government ought to take the same bold approach it took to the scope of the national broadband rollout, with a superior policy replacing the dissappointing model orginally proposed.

In this case, the superior policy is definitely the establishment of a national authority to administer all health care funding and distribute it to regions on the basis of need. Regions are acutely aware of their strengths, weaknesses and highest priority needs.

Option B in the commission’s interim report needs to be chosen as the preferred strategy as it has significant public and health sector support and deals best with the issues of clear lines of responsibility, streamlined service delivery and future pathways for excellence in health care through research.

“How to get there” with Option B requires some straight talking by the PM with the public about reform to the Australian Government's constitutional responsibilities.

Yes we can end the blame game once and for all time with a referendum allowing the Federal Government jurisdiction in all areas of governance for the well-being of the people of Australia. Tony Abbott has outlined how this consititutional reform may be done effectively in his recent book, Battlelines. There are excellent prospects for both sides of politics to unite around this critical issue to our quality of life for generations to come.