[Greens-Media] SENATOR KERRY NETTLE: Abbott promises to spend more public money subsidising health insurance

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

Abbott promises to spend more public money subsidising health insurance 

2-8-06

Greens Health spokesperson Senator Kerry Nettle today condemned Health
Minister Tony Abbott for promising at the National Press Club to spend
more public funds subsidising private health insurance. 

"Tony Abbott's statement that private health insurance premiums will
rise means the government subsidy to the private health insurance
industry through the 30% rebate will also increase.  

"The Howard Government should not be increasing the $3 billion of public
funds that it already spends each year subsidising the health insurance
industry. To do so at a time when our public health system needs more
funds is an irresponsible use of public funds. 

"Evidence shows that the private health insurance rebate benefits
wealthy city dwellers whilst public hospitals and rural health services
are crying out for funds.

"The Greens call for the redirection of the private health insurance
rebate into our public health system.

"Areas such as Indigenous health desperately need more funding and
support. 
		 
"If Mr Beazley is looking to invest in Indigenous health he need look no
further than the private health insurance rebate." 

Jon Edwards - 0428 213 146