The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) says Liberal MP Mal Brough is right – there is no need for any GP co-payment or any further attacks on Medicare.
ANMF Federal Secretary, Lee Thomas said: “As the ANMF has been insisting since the Federal Budget was announced last year, the Government’s attacks on Medicare are unnecessary and bad policy and do not have the support of the Australian people.
“Whether it’s a $7 fee for health consumers, a $5 reduction in Medicare rebates for doctors, or attacks on other services, it just adds up to more out-of-pocket costs that will hurt more and more Australians – eventually resulting in the erosion of our universal healthcare system as we know it.
“As nurses and midwives, we are once again reminding this Government that all Australians should have access to quality healthcare when they need it, where they need it … it should not only be available to those who can afford to pay for it.
“Medicare must not be undermined or dismantled. Co-payments are not the answer to funding our health system.
“The ANMF is urging the new Health Minister Sussan Ley to finally listen to the concerns of health experts and people throughout the community who are all opposed to the introduction of Medicare co-payments and start the consultation process she promised when she took office.
“As Australia’s largest health union, representing over 240,000 nurses, midwives and assistants in nursing across the country, the ANMF will continue to defend our health system and the standard of care we can deliver to the community.
“Once again, the message to Mr Abbott is loud and clear: Hands off Medicare!”
The ANMF, with over 240,000 members, is the professional and industrial voice for nurses, midwives and assistants in nursing in Australia.
ANMF media inquiries: 0411 254 390.
