Industrial Legislation

Community Unites Against Howard’s Medicare Changes

Speakers at the meeting, convened by the ACTU, will include Federal Opposition Leader Simon Crean, Australian Democrats leader Senator Andrew Bartlett and Greens Senator Kerry Nettle.

Representatives of the Australian Council of Social Services, the Doctors' Reform Society, the Rural Health Alliance, Catholic and Anglican church groups and health unions will also address the meeting.

ACTU President Sharan Burrow said unions will conduct a national campaign against the Medicare changes, targeting politicians in marginal federal electorates.

"The Australian community will not let the Liberal Party's vandals destroy Medicare and privatise the health system," Ms Burrow said.

"Australians already pay for their health insurance through general taxes and the Medicare levy. The Howard Government's plan would force people to pay a third time through GP co-payments or private health insurance.

"Rising health costs are already putting many working people under financial pressure, especially where a family member has a chronic condition. John Howard's changes will send some families to the wall."

Ms Burrow said that the inflationary impact of the Government's Medicare changes would lead to higher wage claims against employers. Health costs rose by 7.2% in the last 12 months - faster than any other CPI group, according to Bureau of Statistics data released last week.

© 2001 Community & Public Sector Union - State Public Services Federation (CPSU-SPSF) - National Office

http://www.cpsu-spsf.asn.au/campaigns/public_sector_wages/20030502_132.html
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2005