PRIME Minister Tony Abbott will arrive in Tenterfield later today to deliver a speech commemorating Sir Henry Parkes contribution to the political landscape and the state of 21st century Federation.
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In a speech that will spark debate about how Australia's systems of government work with each other, Mr Abbott speech foreshadows the breadth and scope of the coming Federation white paper.
Fairfax Media has obtained an advanced copy of the PM’s address which he’ll deliver at the Tenterfield School of Arts later this evening.
In a challenge to state premiers and chief ministers, he will say all levels of government face a "fundamental test" over the next year as part of the Federation white paper process.
The white paper on reform of the Federation touts the reduction and end, as far as possible, the waste, duplication and second guessing between different levels of government.
The Coalition government believes it will improve national productivity and create a more efficient and effective system throughout.
“Can a more rational and better managed system be devised - or is change more trouble than it’s worth?” Mr Abbott will say.
Parkes recognised the need for one national army and one national rail gauge when he delivered his call to arms 125-years-ago.
“The problem, now, is to create a more rational system of government for the nation that we undoubtedly have become,” Mr Abbott says.
The PM will deliver his own call to arms, imploring state premiers to participate in a grown-up debate about reforming the Federation, the funding of health systems and the tax system.
But he concedes, reform is not something that one person, one party or one Parliament can achieve.
"Asking ourselves what can be done better is at the heart of all progress.”
Health service, GST and “expenditure restraint” will also be talking points.
Descendants of Parkes along with Member for New England Barnaby Joyce and Member for Lismore Thomas George will also be in attendance at tonight’s commemoration.