Malcolm Turnbull has successfully implemented his GP tax, with millions of Australians now paying an average $7 more out of their own pocket every time they go to the doctor.
The Liberals never gave on their plan to introduce a GP tax.
Having failed to introduce their GP tax to the Parliament, they forced it through by stealth – introducing a freeze on GP rebates in December 2014 that has seen Australians pay more out of their own pocket for health care.
Since the Government introduced their freeze in December 2014, Australians are paying an average $7 more out of their own pocket to visit the GP – exactly what the Government proposed for their GP tax.
In some states and territories the increase is even higher – with the Australian Capital Territory paying $11.15 more and New South Wales residents paying $8.55 more.
Shadow Minister for Health and Medicare Catherine King said the Turnbull Government had always been determined to make Australians pay more to see a GP – and they had succeeded.
“For years and years the Government’s freeze has forced GPs across the country to abandon bulk billing and slug patients every time they visit the doctor,” Ms King said.
“As a result, under Malcolm Turnbull, out-of-pocket costs to access health care are higher than ever.
“The Liberals were determined to introduce a GP tax through any means. They tried it through the Parliament and when that didn’t work, they forced it onto patients through their freeze.
“As a result of last week’s Budget and the Government’s failure to drop their freeze immediately, this will only get worse. While the Government continues to rip billions of dollars out of Medicare they have zero credibility on health.”
Increase in out-of-pocket costs for non-referred GP attendances
| Mar 17 Qtr Average out-of pocket cost | Dec 14 Qtr Average out-of pocket cost | $ Increase | |
| Australia | 36.77 | 29.00 | $7.8 |
| NSW | 36.22 | 27.68 | $8.5 |
| VIC | 36.28 | 28.30 | $8.0 |
| QLD | 37.24 | 29.55 | $7.7 |
| SA | 31.35 | 25.99 | $5.4 |
| WA | 39.14 | 31.87 | $7.3 |
| TAS | 36.74 | 30.79 | $5.9 |
| NT | 45.21 | 39.42 | $5.8 |
| ACT | 44.22 | 33.07 | $11.1 |
Source – http://health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/Quarterly-Medicare-Statistics
TUESDAY, 16 MAY 2017