Page 1703 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 4 June 2014
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
Programs in my electorate that will benefit from this spending include the University of Canberra public hospital, a new Emergency Services Agency station being built in Aranda, William Slim Drive-Barton Highway roundabout signalisation, a capital upgrade program that will see computer security upgrades at both Belconnen and Kippax libraries, road upgrades at Maribyrnong Avenue and Copeland Drive, upgrades to Cook shops and work to continue on upgrades at the Charnwood shops, just to mention a few. I know that Dr Bourke mentioned these before.
This budget stands in stark contrast to that of the federal government which has cut millions of dollars from the ACT health system. In contrast, the ACT budget has delivered record investment in health. I congratulate the Chief Minister and the Treasurer for stepping in and funding this massive shortfall left after irresponsible cuts to health were made by the Abbott government. The government could choose to reduce health spending now, but we all know that this will result in great pain to many people, literally, and in far greater spending down the track as we try to address more serious health problems that could have been easily prevented.
That is why it is hard to believe the irresponsibility of this federal government’s proposed $7 GP co-payment. Internationally and in Australia evidence shows that the introduction of co-payments will likely lead to people not accessing primary healthcare services, obviously leading to a decline in health outcomes. The evidence goes on to show that there will be fewer visits not only for episodic care of minor illnesses but also for preventive care such as vaccinations and cancer screening or visits that could prevent chronic disease occurring, such as cardiovascular disease. It also shows a reduction in visits for regular care needed for chronic conditions such as diabetes.
Further to this, studies have shown that a large proportion of patients from all sectors of society delay or do not fill their prescriptions or do not comply with instructions on taking medication, including potential lifesaving drugs. A 2008 ABS study found that approximately 10 per cent of people delayed or did not purchase medication prescribed due to the cost, and this is likely to increase with additional price increases. A study by Blendon et al in 2002 found that approximately 15 per cent of Australians do not undergo a test, treatment or follow-up due to the cost of a procedure.
What will happen to our critical services like Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service, Companion House and the West Belconnen Health Co-Op, which rely heavily on bulk billing for vulnerable groups? They will obviously find it financially very challenging to survive if they do not institute co-payments. Yet these vulnerable patients are unlikely to be able to afford them.
The purpose of this co-payment proposal is to reduce the number of overall visits to the doctor. We all know that this has a real potential to harm many people, particularly those who are least able to pay. It will come with major health consequences into the future. That is why it is encouraging to see this Labor government investing a record $1.4 billion in health and community care in 2014-15, and $122 million over four years in capital funding under the health and infrastructure program, which I have talked about previously.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video