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Medicare: Labor says Turnbull untrustworthy
Gilmore Liberal MP Ann Sudmalis says the Medicare rebate freeze is a temporary measure to contain ballooning health costs.
Ms Sudmalis said the freeze was in place while the government conducted an “overdue review of the Medicare system”.
“Spending on Medicare has more than doubled from $8 billion in 2004 to $20 billion today, yet we raise only $10 billion from the Medicare levy,” she said.
“Ten years ago the levy covered 67 per cent of the cost of Medicare, but now it covers only 54 per cent, which is why the Government is conducting a review of the Medicare Benefits Schedule.
“The review is looking at more than 5,700 Medicare items to make sure they are effective.
“The review is led by clinicians and supported by allied health care practitioners and those who need Medicare rebates.”
Meanwhile, Ms Sudmalis says the ALP is running a “scare campaign” on Medicare being privatised, describing it as a “big fat lie”.
“Even the AMA (Australian Medical Association) has condemned the continued claims that are clearly not true,” Ms Sudmalis said.
“The Prime Minister (Malcolm Turnbull) has stated categorically that the government will not privatise Medicare, and the government will never privatise Medicare.
“All services provided by Medicare will continue to be provided by Medicare.
“The overall health budget is up 11.6 per cent percent on Labor’s last budget in 2013/14.
“Spending on Medicare is up 13.4 per cent, hospitals 29.4 per cent, the PBS 9.8 per cent, mental health 11.7 per cent and aged care 25.5 per cent on 2013/14.”
Ms Sudmalis yesterday announced funding of more than $5 million on rehabilitation for the drug ice.
“There are a number of health issues facing the local community including the increasing toll from the deadly drug ice,” she said.
Ms Sudmalis said the funds would go to the South East Primary Health Network from July 1 to support local rehabilitation services to help get addicts off ice and out of the drug market.
The centre is likely to accept Eurobodalla patients.
“The Coalition’s mental health reforms include making it easier to set up Headspace centres in places like Batemans Bay, by putting the power to contract them in the hands of communities.” The National Mental Health Commission review said this approach to mental health reform could see more Headspace centres.