[Greens-Media] Media Release - Greens will block plan to tear down Medicare

[Blyberg, Andrew (Sen R. Di Natale)]

Media Release

Dr Richard Di Natale
Greens Senator for Victoria

21/03/2014

Greens will block plan to tear down Medicare

News reports today indicate that the Abbott Government has a secret plan to slash bulk-billing and increase the cost of medicines.

Australian Greens health spokesperson and former GP, Dr Richard Di Natale, said today that the Greens will block any attempt to tear down Medicare in the Senate.

"The Abbott Government is determined to tear down Medicare no matter the cost," said Senator Di Natale. 

"Slashing bulk-billing won't save the government any money; a bulk-billed doctor's visit doesn't cost the government any more than one that isn't bulk-billed. This callous government actually wants to save money by trying to keep people from seeing their doctor.

"This is about what kind of country we want to be. The Greens believe nobody's access to healthcare should be determined by the size of their wallet.

"Medicare has delivered fair and efficient healthcare for 30 years and the Greens will fight to defend it in the Senate."

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Media Contact: Andrew Blyberg 0457 901 600