Catherine King

Catherine King

CATHERINE KING MP
Federal Member Ballarat
Minister Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development & Local Government

T (03) 5338 8123
Email: Catherine.King.MP@aph.gov.au

Catherine King MP
Electorate Office: 5 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat, VIC 3350

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Monday, 05 September 2016 / Published in NATIONAL MEDIA

GOVERNMENT REMAINS COMMITTED TO MEDICARE FREEZE

In an interview in today’s Australian, Mr Turnbull said the Government had “not decided to change the policy”.

This is in spite of Mr Turnbull’s comments, in the same interview, that “what we have to do this term is categorically reassure Australians about our commitment to universal health and Medicare”.

Mr Turnbull’s comments echo his claim, made immediately after the election, that he would learn the lessons of the election and address Australians’ concerns about his deep cuts to health.

But two months later, nothing has changed. As Mr Turnbull has confirmed today, the Government remains committed to:

· Driving bulk billing down and co-payments up via the freeze on Medicare rebates, a GP Tax by stealth;
· Cutting Medicare bulk billing incentives for vital tests and scans;
· Increasing the price of prescription medicines by up to $5, even for concession card holders; and
· Cutting hundreds of millions from Medicare via changes to the Medicare Safety Net.

Softer rhetoric won’t change the harsh reality of these cuts. Mr Turnbull’s “reassurance” is worth as much as Tony Abbott’s promise of “no cuts to health” – nothing.

In contrast, during the election campaign Labor committed to ending Mr Turnbull’s Medicare freeze, scrapping his cuts to vital tests and scans, reversing his price hikes to Medicines, and protecting the Medicare Safety Nets.

On health, look at what Mr Turnbull does, not what he says.

SATURDAY, 27 AUGUST 2016

MEDIA CONTACT: ANDREW GARRETT 0412 300 994

Tagged under: 2016

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Ballarat is Wadawurrung country and has been for thousands of years. It was an honour to attend the NAIDOC Week flag raising out the front of Town Hall this afternoon. As a country, community and government there is always more we can do. pic.twitter.com/olvIZXjMBE

About 5 hours ago from Catherine King MP's Twitter via Twitter for iPhone

School holidays are some of the busiest times on our roads but also some of the most dangerous. Be patient and drive safe. Drive to survive these holidays. pic.twitter.com/98eCb1YnY2

About a week ago from Catherine King MP's Twitter via Hootsuite Inc.

Today is the Day of the Seafarer. Australia is dependent on seaborne trade, but less than 1% of our trade is carried on Australian ships. Today we thank seafarers and recommit to rebuilding Australian shipping and strengthening the opportunities for Australian seafarers. pic.twitter.com/yZfDzGdu25

About a week ago from Catherine King MP's Twitter via Hootsuite Inc.

Please remember to drive to survive this holiday period. Especially when the conditions are dark and wet. twitter.com/VictoriaPolice…

About a week ago from Catherine King MP's Twitter via Twitter Web App

Proud to join DPM Tapaitau and aviation ministers from across the Pacific at the Regional Aviation Ministers’ Meeting. Australia is committed to working closely with and listening to our Pacific partners as we together maintain and strengthen safe aviation across the region. pic.twitter.com/rWotqbxQyl

About 2 weeks ago from Catherine King MP's Twitter via Twitter Web App

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© Catherine King. Authorised by Catherine King, Australian Labor Party, Canberra

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