Greens to pressure Labor with healthcare reform
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Loading... - james benjamin
- 04 Oct 2024
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The Greens are preparing to intensify pressure on Labor by making healthcare reform a key part of their agenda, aiming to influence any potential parliamentary negotiations after the next federal election. Banking on the possibility of Labor forming a minority government, Greens leader Adam Bandt announced an ambitious plan on Thursday to make GP and other primary healthcare services completely free across the country.
Campaigning in Perth, where the Greens hope to unseat Labor MP Patrick Gorman with candidate Sophie Greer, Bandt revealed the plan would establish 1,000 free clinics nationwide, offering Australians access to GPs, dentists, nurses, and psychologists without out-of-pocket expenses. The plan, which has been costed at $54 billion over the next decade by the Parliamentary Budget Office, would be funded by increasing taxes on large corporations.
Bandt highlighted the issue of corporate tax avoidance, noting that "one in three big corporations pays no tax," and argued that in a wealthy country like Australia, "everyone should be able to get the healthcare they need."
The Greens plan also proposes tripling the bulk-billing incentive for Medicare patients and increasing Medicare rebates by 20% for longer appointments to address the challenges of accessing affordable healthcare.
Greens health spokesman Jordon Steele-John emphasized the urgency of the issue, citing the rising costs of living and fewer bulk-billing options, which have led many Australians to delay or skip medical appointments.
As Labor's primary support continues to decline, particularly in populous states like New South Wales, polls indicate a potential swing that could result in a minority government. The Greens have already proven their ability to block government legislation in the Senate, such as last month's stalling of the Help to Buy and Build to Rent bills, signaling that a Labor minority government would need to engage in deeper negotiations with the crossbench to advance its legislative agenda.
