Lisa Chesters (Bendigo, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I too rise to condemn the government's proposal to introduce a GP co-payment—a GP tax. The people in my electorate of Bendigo, whether they be locals, local GPs or local health organisations, are all speaking out in opposition to this new toxic tax. The latest, Loddon Mallee Murray Medicare Local's new medical adviser, has come out saying that the proposed GP tax, the $7, will hinder patients from seeking the help and accessing the care they need. She said that they would not be presenting, making it difficult for doctors to ensure that those most in need are engaging in preventative health. She said that doctors would not be able to ensure that their vaccinations are right or that their diabetes is checked and under control. Doctors would be unable to provide all the preventative measures required in rural areas to ensure that our communities remain healthy.

It is not just our Medicare Local speaking out but also Castlemaine doctors. They have come together—21 practitioners—to say that they are very concerned about this budget and the GP co-payment. Over 1,000 people in Castlemaine alone have signed a petition condemning this toxic tax. This tax is bad policy and creating a healthcare emergency, one this country does not need.