News

Constructive discussions on co-payments

AMA President, A/Prof Brian Owler, said last week that he had a constructive meeting with Health Minister, Peter Dutton, to discuss the AMA’s alternative plan to address concerns with the Government’s proposed co-payments for general practice, radiology, and pathology services.

A/Prof Owler said that the AMA has enjoyed positive dealings with the Prime Minister, the Treasurer, and the Health Minister over its concerns with the Government’s co-payment plan, and this spirit of cooperation was in evidence again in the meeting with Mr Dutton.

“The Minister has agreed to have his office and his Department examine our alternative proposals. We have been quite open that our plan will not deliver the savings that the Government sought with its Budget proposals. Instead, we have offered the Government a fairer and more equitable plan. We have proposed a health policy, not an economic policy.”

“The Minister said the Government will continue to engage the AMA over the way forward with its co-payment proposals. We will meet again soon, once the AMA alternative plan has been properly considered by the Minister and his Department,” A/Prof Owler said.

 

Listen to A/Prof Brian Owler, speak to 4BC Brisbane, 1 August 2014.

Full media release.

Related topics