[Greens-Media] Sen Kerry Nettle: If Medibank sold funds should be earmarked for public health

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

04.09.06

If Medibank sold funds should be earmarked for public health

Greens Health Spokesperson Senator Kerry Nettle today voiced The Greens
opposition to the sale of Medibank Private and instead called on the
government to invest in public health.

"The Greens oppose the sale of Medibank Private because there remains
doubt as to whether the government actually owns the assets and whether
its sale could mean a loss for members who have funded the
organisation," Senator Nettle said.

"There is also a threat that privatisation could transform Medicare
Private into a for profit fund and so lead to public money via the
Private Health Insurance Rebate subsidising private profits.

"The government should forget about playing the stock market with the
public's assets and instead focus on improving public health outcomes.

"If the government goes ahead with the sale despite significant legal
concerns then The Greens are calling on the government to earmark the
proceeds for investment in public health.

"Indigenous health services are in particular need having been under
funded for so many years.

Contact - Jon Edwards 0428 213 146