Malcolm Turnbull has made it clear that the July 2 election is a referendum on Medicare.
Asked three times this morning to rule out further cuts to bulk billing if he is re-elected tomorrow, Mr Turnbull refused to answer.
He also straight out lied to voters about the fact that cuts have already happened, and are already having an impact when Australians visit the doctor.
HOST: But no more cuts. Do you guarantee no more cuts to bulk billing?
TURNBULL: Lisa, there are no cuts to bulk billing.
[TODAY, 1 July 2016]
The Government’s own Budget papers show cuts of $2 billion through freezing Medicare payments for doctors’ visits and another $650 million through cuts to bulk billing incentives for pathology and diagnostic imaging.
Patients are already being advised by clinics across Australia that they will now be forced to pay to see a doctor because of Mr Turnbull’s freeze.
Mr Turnbull’s election eve lies are a repeat of Tony Abbott’s infamous 2013 election eve pledge of “no cuts to health” – and just as believable.
Mr Turnbull’s cuts will hit the sickest, the poorest and those in rural areas the hardest.
Labor created Medicare and Labor will always protect Medicare.
All Australians should be able to access health care when and where they need it. That’s what drives Labor’s health policy.
Tomorrow there is a clear choice for the future of Australia – Malcolm or Medicare.