Federal Financial Relations (National Health Reform Payments for 2023-24) Determination 2024

This is a straightforward piece of legislation that sets out exactly how much money the Australian Government will give to each state and territory for public hospitals in the 2023-24 financial year.

What it does:

• Authorises $28.4 billion in total payments to the states and territories
• These payments are for running public hospitals under the National Health Reform Agreement (a deal between the Commonwealth and states about how to fund and run public hospitals)

Who gets what: | State/Territory | Amount | |----------------|--------| | New South Wales | $8.38 billion | | Victoria | $6.85 billion | | Queensland | $6.64 billion | | Western Australia | $3.05 billion | | South Australia | $1.93 billion | | Tasmania | $621 million | | Australian Capital Territory | $511 million | | Northern Territory | $402 million |

Why it matters: Public hospitals are run by state governments, but the Commonwealth contributes significant funding. This Determination is the legal instrument that actually releases the money. Without it, the payments couldn't legally flow. The amounts reflect population needs, hospital activity, and the funding formula in the National Health Reform Agreement.

Who it affects:

• State and territory governments (they receive the money)
• Public hospitals and patients (the ultimate beneficiaries of the funding)