NEUMANN CALLS ON NEW MINISTER TO TAKE ACTION ON HEALTH

19 January 2017

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann has called on the newly appointed Minister for Health Greg Hunt to take immediate action on the Turnbull Government's attacks on health.

Mr Neumann said that Minister Hunt would be inheriting an error-ridden portfolio requiring immediate action

“From his very first day on the job, Greg Hunt will inherit a legacy of cuts, freezes and policies that have only made healthcare more expensive and less accessible for Ipswich and Somerset residents," Mr Neumann said.

“The Minister's first priority should be to drop the Medicare freeze which has forced some doctors to stop bulk-billing and driven up out of pocket expenses for patients.

“Beyond that, cuts to pathology tests and children’s dental care need to be cancelled and reversed, while planned increases to PBS co-payments for general patients, concession patients and those with chronic illnesses should be immediately ruled out.

“With no indication of any changes in policy direction, Ipswich and Somerset locals are almost certain to keep suffering from the indifference of this government.”

Mr Neumann said that the 2016 election showed that people wanted the Government to protect the long-term Medicare, hospitals and health.

“When people went to the polls in Blair, they, like so many other people across Australia overwhelming voted to ensure a healthcare system that was affordable and properly funded. 

“Unfortunately it is apparent that the Turnbull Government is intent on pretending these concerns don’t exist.

“The Turnbull Government should use this as an opportunity to stop attacking the health care system that so many of my constituents rely on and start to undo the damage they have caused so far.”