Frankly, health services in this country are in a disgraceful state; severely under-resourced and, in some hospitals, at breaking point.

It's a situation that has been progressively allowed to get worse through a succession of Labor and Liberal federal and state governments.

So news that Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott have agreed to debate the issue at the National Press Club on Tuesday is encouraging.

It will be the first of a series of debates in the lead-up to the election. For both men to dwell on the past and merely say that their opponent can't be trusted to deliver on health will not be good enough.

They must embrace the opportunity, articulate their policies and give voters a clear view of their plans for the future.

And another thing ...

The St George Illawarra Dragons make their first home appearance at WIN Stadium tonight against the Bulldogs.

Footy fans should take the opportunity to cheer on the team in what will be one of just a few home opportunities this season before the ground is closed for work on a new multimillion-dollar grandstand.