The Abbott Government's changes to Medicare will make it more costly for Victorians to see their GP.
Changes due to come into effect next week will cut the Medicare rebate for short consultations by $20, which will force GPs to charge patients more.
Victorian families will be deterred from seeking medical care or will instead go to an emergency department which would put our hospitals under even more pressure.
The previous Liberal Government cut $1 billion from health during their four years in office, leaving our health system in crisis.
On top of this, the Abbott Government has cut billions of dollars from the sector and now they want to make it harder for Victorians to see their GP.
It's clear that the Liberals believe that a person's health should be determined by their wealth.
The Andrews Labor Government is strongly opposed to these changes because they will make seeing a GP unaffordable for many Victorians.
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Health, Jenny Mikakos
“GPs will have no choice but to pass these costs on to Victorian families.”
“These changes will increase pressure on our emergency departments which are already struggling after four years of Liberal cuts.”
“Victorian families shouldn't have to choose whether or not they can afford to take their child to see the doctor.”
“These changes will make going to the doctor a luxury for some Victorian families.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020