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Byron Shire
March 28, 2024

Abbott razor gang’s attack on Medicare

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Tony Abbott’s razor gang is attacking Medicare by proposing to make it more expensive for Australians to see their doctor.

This will have a major effect on the Tweed area with already high numbers of disadvantaged families and a growing retiree age group creating a strong demand for local healthcare and social services.

The Greens won’t stand by while Tony Abbott’s razor gang attacks Australia’s system of universal healthcare.

The cost for patients accessing health care is already on the rise but instead of planning to reduce that cost barrier, Tony Abbott’s razor gang wants to make it more expensive.

A blanket $5 co-payment for GP visits will mean that patients who need healthcare will think twice before seeing a doctor.

Making it harder for low-income families to see a doctor is not the way to balance the books.

Tony Abbott’s razor gang wants Australia to move towards a two-tiered American-style health system where your health is determined by your ability to pay.

As the chair of a new Select Senate Committee that will act as a watchdog to Tony Abbott’s Commission of Audit, Australian Greens Senator Dr Richard Di Natale will ensure this agenda is not pushed through in secret.

The committee will hear from a broad range of experts and stakeholders to expose the real-world impact of the razor gang’s proposals for cuts.

Senator Di Natale said that so far it looks as though vulnerable and low-income Australians are the ones who are going to pay the price.

Dawn Walker, Tweed Greens


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1 COMMENT

  1. Heallth care is noted universally as Australia’s progressive social policy. Americans I know find the mere contemplation of returning to the US impossible; due to the lack of health care and the suffering endured my many unable to afford a visit to the Doctor. Surely we could raise the Medicare levy and avoid the backward suggestion of Abbott to further oppress citizens. Go Greens!

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