Federal Member for Blaxland, Jason Clare MP hosted a public meeting about the Abbott Government’s $7 GP tax and $50 billion cuts to hospitals last Friday at the Revesby Workers Club.
Over 120 concerned local residents came to the public meeting to ask questions and raise concerns about the $7 GP tax and what it will mean for them.
Special guest speakers were Federal Shadow Health Minister Catherine King MP, NSW Shadow Health Minister Dr Andrew McDonald MP and General Secretary NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association Brett Holmes.
“There are a lot of terrible things in the budget but this is probably the worst,” Mr Clare said.
“Healthcare is a right not a privilege. We don’t want a health system like America, where it depends on how much money you have.
“This tax will hit our area the hardest. 98.2% of visits to the doctor in our local area are bulk billed.
“That means the only thing you have to pull out of your wallet or purse when you go to the doctor is a Medicare Card.
“That will change if this new tax comes in. And it’s not just $7 to see the doctor, you have to pay this tax every time you get a blood test or go for an x-ray.
“This is a bad tax. It will make sick people sicker,” Mr Clare said.
Already more than 1,500 local residents have signed a petition to stop the tax. To sign the petition online visit www.savemedicare.org.au/sign.
