Page 1848 - Week 06 - Thursday, 5 June 2014

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not put in place. It will have detrimental health outcomes for this country—for people who live here in Canberra and right across the country. We do not want to discourage people from going to their GP to seek help and early treatment.

Members may have noticed the recent media campaign targeted at middle-aged or slightly older men about going to the doctor. When you have a concern, do not put it off. Do not fear the consequences; actually go and see the doctor so that you might avoid a more serious problem down the line.

I am concerned that this co-payment will provide a counter-incentive to that sort of message. That is why I think it is the wrong policy for Australia. I think we can do better than that in this country. I think we need more progressive taxation. This is a truly regressive tax, a truly regressive fee and I think it is one that we should be opposed to.

I thank those members who support the motion. I hope that this measure is not proceeded with at a federal level and that our citizens here in the ACT continue to be able to access bulk-billing medical services without needing to make this co-payment.

Question put:

That the motion be agreed to.

The Assembly voted—

Question so resolved in the affirmative.

Leave of absence

Motion (by Mr Corbell) agreed to:

That leave of absence be granted for all Members for the period 6 June to 4 August 2014.

Administration and Procedure—Standing Committee

Report 2

MR RATTENBURY (Molonglo) (12.10): I present the following report:

Administration and Procedure—Standing Committee—Report 2—Application for Citizen’s Right of Reply: Mr Jorian Gardner, dated 3 June 2014, together with a copy of the extracts of the relevant minutes of proceedings.

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