Save Our Medicare Rally
Unions NSW

End healthcare austerity.  Save Medicare.
Sydney Town Hall.  1 to 4 PM

The Turnbull Government's efforts to save $650 million will put lives at risk.   

Cuts to bulk billing for pathology services will affect MRI's, X-Rays, Blood and Urine tests, Ultrasounds, and Pap smears.   :(



These cuts will hit those who need it most, those who are less well off, and sick, and there will come a time where patients will have to choose between going to the doctor, or eating that night, it is the Americanisation of the health care system. Say no.

RSVP and show up to show your support for these vital, and life saving services.

ANMF says Medicare under threat again   :(

Tuesday 9th February, 2016

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), says universal healthcare is again under threat after reports the Turnbull Government is investigating changes to the Medicare payment system.

“The Government just can’t keep its hands off Medicare,” ANMF Assistant Federal Secretary, Annie Butler, said today.

“First it was the failed attempt at a $7 GP tax, then it was funding cuts to rebates and bulk-billing incentives and now they’re having another go – this time looking at potential privatisation of Medicare, PBS and Aged Care payments.   :(

“Mounting volumes of evidence demonstrate that privatisation of public services, especially in health, leads to increased inefficiency. Yet the Government inexplicably persists on pursuing this path, describing it as ‘innovative’, ‘agile’ and ‘responsive’.

“But ANMF members disagree; the best way to be responsive to Australia’s health and ageing needs is to ensure fair and equal access to quality health and aged care for all not to outsource these responsibilities to private, for-profit providers. 

“Outsourcing these activities not only threatens the efficiency of these services but much more concerning, the privacy of Australians, particularly our frail and vulnerable.

“We join the Community and Public Sector Union in raising concerns about protection of  confidential medical and financial details of Medicare patients if this proposal proceeds.

“In the lead-up to the Budget, the Government must rule out changes to Medicare, including privatisation and outsourcing of payments, for the protection of all Australians.”



The ANMF, with close to 250,000 members, is the professional and industrial voice for nurses, midwives and assistants in nursing in Australia.

Is Medicare being abolished or something? :-?

Armchair_Politician wrote on Feb 11^th, 2016 at 10:18am:

Is Medicare being abolished or something? :-?

No - just white-anted.......

Shorten to join nurses' Medicare rally

    20 February 2016 
    Business Spectator
   

Opposition leader Bill Shorten is expected to join nurses and midwives in a Sydney rally against Medicare cuts.   :)

The NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association will march from Town Hall to Belmore Park in the CBD to protest changes to Australia's healthcare system.

Mr Shorten is expected to join them and address the crowd on Saturday afternoon.

The association has been campaigning against the federal government's plan to cut $650 million from funding for pathology tests and diagnostic imaging services.   :(

"The cuts will affect some of the most vulnerable and disenfranchised in our community, putting a cost barrier in the way of those who need access to these services the most," said Judith Kiejda, acting general secretary of the association.

Quote:

Shorten to join nurses' Medicare rally

....will he claim a penalty rate

Good on you Mr Shorten.  Yes Medicare and bulk billing should be protected.   [smiley=thumbsup.gif] 

wrote on Feb 20^th, 2016 at 8:42am:

Good on you Mr Shorten.  Yes Medicare and bulk billing should be protected.   [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

.....yes Shorten's backing another defacto income tax increase on the Taxpayer.......typical Labrat

Swagman wrote on Feb 20^th, 2016 at 9:04am:

wrote on Feb 20th, 2016 at 8:42am: Good on you Mr Shorten.  Yes Medicare and bulk billing should be protected.   [smiley=thumbsup.gif]  .....yes Shorten's backing another defacto income tax increase on the Taxpayer.......typical Labrat

It's funny, almost, that although Labor had record revenue at their fingertips, they still managed to run up a colossal debt. I guess tripling the tax-free threshold to more than $18,000 didn't help Swan balance the budget much either, eh?

Swagman wrote on Feb 20^th, 2016 at 9:04am:

wrote on Feb 20th, 2016 at 8:42am: Good on you Mr Shorten.  Yes Medicare and bulk billing should be protected.   [smiley=thumbsup.gif]  .....yes Shorten's backing another defacto income tax increase on the Taxpayer.......typical Labrat

How, so Swag?  It's only maintaining an existing service... not increasing taxes.... like penalty rates, nobody is asking for anything extra.. just for not less of an existing situation.