In just under a minute last night, the Liberal Member for Gilmore told three massive lies about the Liberals health cuts.
In a single answer to a constituent at the Sky News Gilmore Candidates Forum in Gerringong, Ann Sudmalis falsely claimed that the Turnbull Liberal Government:
- Had abandoned the cuts to bulk billing payments for pathology;
- Was reviewing the Medicare freeze; and
- Had no plans to increase the cost of prescriptions.
Sudmalis lie about pathology
“That particular medical practitioner has already told you a bit of a furphy about blood tests, because that has already been removed … that Medicare rebate that was not going to be put on as an incentive payment for pathology has been put back on so that problem is not a problem anymore.”
FACT:
The measure to remove bulk billing incentives will commence at the date that the changes to the regulatory framework take effect.”
SUSSAN LEY, PRESS RELEASE, 13 MAY 2016
Sudmalis lie about Medicare Freeze
“The freeze that we’re reviewing at the moment.”
FACT:
‘Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said the government would stick by the freeze.
“The measure that is in the budget is our policy,” he said.’
AAP, 19 MAY 2016
Sudmalis lie about increase in prescriptions
“There is no increase in scripts.”
FACT:
“The co-payments with respect to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme as set out, we are committed to, yes. There is no change to that.”
MALCOLM TURNBULL, SYDNEY DOORSTOP, 22 MAY 2016
It’s understandable that Ann Sudmalis is embarrassed about the Liberals’ party health cuts and their attempt to destroy Medicare.
However, this is no excuse for dishonesty and the people of Gilmore deserve an honest answer from their local MP about the health cuts the Liberals are committed to if the Turnbull Government is re-elected.
Authorised by G. Wright, Australian Labor Party, 5/9 Sydney Ave, Barton, ACT 2600