Labor is calling on the Abbott Government to immediately rule out more cuts to health and hospitals following the Treasurer’s announcement today that he is looking for more cuts to rescue his shambolic Budget.
Now, if the Senate chooses to block savings initiatives, then we need to look at other savings initiatives that may not require legislation and I would ask the Greens and the Labor Party who between them hold 35 votes on the floor of the Senate – to understand that there are alternatives for a Government.
JOE HOCKEY – AM PROGRAM – 16 JULY 2014
Joe Hockey and Tony Abbott have already smashed their election promise of ‘no cuts to health’ by ripping $50 billion dollars out of Australia’s public hospitals and abolishing key health agencies such as Health Workforce Australia and the Australian National Preventive Health Agency. The $50 billion cuts to hospitals did not require legislation.
Australians are being let down by this government when it comes to their healthcare.
Not content with ripping billions out of Australia’s public hospitals, the Abbott Government is slugging a $7 tax on Australians every time they visit the doctor as well as increasing the cost of medicines.
This is all a part of the Abbott Government’s attempts to end Medicare and universal healthcare as we know it.
Further cuts to health and hospitals will add unnecessary burden on our healthcare system.
Bill Shorten and Labor will fight this Budget because it is unfair and based on lies and broken promises to the Australian people.
Labor will stand up to Tony Abbott’s health cuts and his campaign to destroy Medicare.