AMA urges Senate to pass Medicare Plus legislation
AMA President, Dr Bill Glasson, today urged the Opposition and the minor parties to pass the Government's Medicare Plus legislation through the Senate.
Dr Glasson said it would be pointless and wasteful to throw taxpayers' money at another expensive Senate inquiry.
Senators have already had a Medicare inquiry lasting many months, which took evidence from all interested parties. A repeat exercise is not necessary.
"Medicare Plus is not the perfect Medicare policy but it is a huge improvement on the Fairer Medicare package and patients should have access to the benefits in the package as early as possible," Dr Glasson said.
"The AMA will continue to discuss possible further improvements with the Government in the lead-up to the election, including changes to its policy of unfunded bonded medical places.
"Australian patients deserve better access to affordable high quality medical services and the Government package is a move in the right direction.
"The Senate should allow Medicare Plus to be enacted and put to the test in the community before the election.
"Medicare is just one part of the Australian health system and one chapter of the health policies that all parties will take to the next election.
"The Opposition should let the Government get its first bid of the health policy auction on the table and then seek to better it," Dr Glasson said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761