Queensland premier ends ‘cannoli diplomacy’ with PM over hospital funding snub

David Crisafulli once said of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that there's nothing that the pair can't solve over a bit of common sense and an Italian meal.

But seems Crisafulli has found the dealbreaker in their so-called "cannoli diplomacy".

The Queensland premier is expected today to formally reject the federal government's hospital funding proposal and has blasted the PM for shortchanging the state.

READ MORE: 'Straight into the eye': Girl, 12, hospitalised after magpie swoop

AFR: Queensland Budget 2025-26. Queensland premier David Crisafulli addresses the media. Photo: Jamila Filippone 24th June 2025

READ MORE: Calls for tougher laws after 'disgraceful' mistake allows neo-Nazi protest to take place

The proposal would see Australian states and territories share in about 35 per cent of the Commonwealth's share of hospital funding – a major shortfall of the 42.5 per cent originally promised.

It was originally proposed that the federal share of public hospital funding will rise from 40.3 per cent to 42.5 per cent by 2030.

The premier said this new figure is not something he is willing to accept for Queensland.

"We will not allow the Commonwealth to short-change Queensland's health system," Crisafulli said.

"Cannoli diplomacy is off the menu until a fair health deal is back on the table."

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a press conference after signing the Pukpuk defence Treaty at Parliament House in Canberra on October 6, 2025.

Crisafulli has also accused the government of leaving hundreds of Queenslanders with mild disabilities stranded in the state's hospital system.

Part of the hospital deal would see states co-fund new supports which are aimed at moving people with mild autism off the NDIS.

Crisafulli said earlier he expects other state leaders to follow suit.

DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.