Gippsland › Latest news › Danny O'Brien MP
GPs will be harder to find and more expensive under Allan Labor government Health Tax predicts Danny O'Brien
]Danny O'Brien warns that under Labor's Health Tax, GP appointments will become scarcer and pricier, potentially driving clinics to close and patients to delay necessary medical care.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien says GP appointments will be harder to find and more expensive under the Allan Labor government. Mr O'Brien said the Labor state government looks set to continue with its unfair Health Tax, despite pleas from Labor's own Federal Health Minister, Mark Butler to reconsider the move.
State Labor's tax now extends to healthcare professionals leasing rooms, causing concern for Medicare lost investments, as noted by Labor's Federal Health Minister
Health tax concerns
Mr O'Brien said, "Under the State Labor government's new tax interpretation, payroll tax calculations include doctors and other health professionals who lease rooms from medical practices, rather than only direct employees of the practices themselves."
"I've met with a number of local GPs and practice managers across Gippsland South and they are gravely concerned that clinics will close or GPs leave the sector and that the tax will drive up costs for patients. Indeed, Labor's own Federal Health Minister has expressed concern that investments the Federal government has made in Medicare "will be lost" if this process continues," he said.
Exemption proposal urged
Mr Butler has urged his state colleagues to consider an alternative model that would provide an exemption to doctors under lease agreements where the patient fees and out of pocket expenses are paid directly to doctors. "According to patient engagement provider, HotDoc we could expect to see GP appointments increase from an average cost of $40.10 to $52.00 as a result of this tax."
"Our local doctors are understandably concerned that this will lead to people putting off medical appointments and result in what might have otherwise been easily treatable illnesses or infections to go unchecked. Our health system is already under significant strain and there is a real threat that increased GP fees will cause further pressure on our already under-resourced emergency rooms and urgent care centres."
Mr O'Brien said the Allan Labor government is placing pressure on the most vulnerable Victorians in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis. "Labor can't manage money, can't manage projects and now Labor's scrapping for every last cent of revenue is hurting people who need to see a doctor."
Pictures from South Gippsland Hospital Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
Cann River fire damages three commercial properties and burns popular Squires Cafe to groundCommunity feedback wanted for the Wellington Shire Draft Budget 2024/25 by 29 May 2024
Appreciation to Bairnsdale volunteers for their support during Gippsland Rotary Centenary House fundraiser extended by Darren Chester
Baw Baw residents will get new purple-lidded glass bins collected separately every four weeks to better recycling process from October 2024
Exhibition by artist Matthew Bagley is captivating journey into ocean conservation at Berninneit Art Gallery
Outward Bound Australia praised by Darren Chester for their effort to revitalise Gippsland outdoor education
Penny Glover from Guthridge Primary School presented with John Printz OAM Award in front of a huge crowd at Sale Memorial Hall
Upgrades to Kalimna Hill trail in Lakes Entrance prioritises safety and accessibility for walker
Baw Baw Shire Council funds 28 community groups total of $105,303 from Community Grants Program
Free Masterclass sessions to promote safe and sustainable community events in Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale over May 2024