shortfall

Earlier this month, the minister said only half of the money needed to resolve the pay award shortfall for healthcare workers had been found.

Health leaders have also warned that progress on reducing waiting lists will be affected if there is no Treasury help in making up the financial shortfall.

Several states have pledged to use their own funds to cover any shortfall, however the federal government has warned that they will not be reimbursed.

Its chief purpose, the initiative says, is to “address the anticipated annual $30 billion state budget shortfall for health care.”

The chancellor is facing a Budget shortfall of about £22bn, according to a recent estimate.