1. Fears $7 co-payment will lead to deaths
Doctors have warned that the $7 co-payment to be announced in tomorrow’s budget will “hurt the poorest and the weakest’’.
The Australian reports that there are fears the co-payment – which would be paid to bulk billing doctors – will see patients clogging hospital emergency wards with patients who had skipped check-ups and could not afford to see a GP, and could even lead to deaths.
According to the newspaper, Medicare data reveals that patients’ out-of-pocket costs have doubled in the past decade.
2. Agencies in budget scrap heaps
News Limited report that the Royal Australian Mint and Defence Housing Australia will be among more than 70 government agencies to be sold, scrapped or merged in tomorrow’s budget.
ASIC’s corporate file registry will be sold and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and the National Water Commission dismantled.
The National Gallery and National Library will also merge their back-office administrations.
3. Pollies pay freeze
It has been revealed that the inclusion of a pay freeze of politicians and senior bureaucrats in tomorrow’s budget was a last minute add-in.
Fairfax Media report that Employment Minister Eric Abetz only sent the request to the Remuneration Tribunal late on Friday.
4. Father reunited with daughter
A QLD girl who was abducted on Saturday night from her home has been found safe.
Top Comments
Geez some of the comments about the budget cuts are amazing... It's ok if a promise is broken as long as it doesn't affect me! Yeah ? Is that what we've come to as a society?? What about caring about the impact on those less fortunate? The government supported by the media have left a litany of broken promises in its wake. Where are the cries of 'liar liar'. People are unbelievably selfish. There is no such thing as altruism anymore and it makes sad. Tony Abbott is the most uninspiring and deceitful PM we've ever had. No integrity whatsoever. US-style economy here we come. Rich get richer, poor get poorer. Yup, this is what Aussies voted for.
I'd be reluctant to call Tony Abbott the most deceitful we've had. Judging by some of the revelations in the Royal Commission against Union Corruption today, we may still unearth some very damaging information about Julia Gillard.
I doubt it - this 'rumour' has been doing the rounds for years, spread about almost single handedly by Andrew Bolt, who just cannot put it to bed despite having no evidence whatsoever. Don't hold your breath.
Im in 2 camps with the dr copay. In the yes camp it will stop alot of non essential visits. As an example the medical centre i go to is always full. EXCEPT on weekends and public holidays! Curious! Probably because alot of people dont need that drs certificate to not work the next day! They have pathology and xray there that are open on the weekends. The no camp is for the people on the aged pension who will simply not be able to afford the visits. I guess we will see how it plays out. But i do think we need to pay something. The bulk bill rate is like $36.70 for a visit