These Cuts Are Killing Us Campaign (Save Medicare)

The Turnbull government’s announcement of $650 million in cuts to pathology and diagnostic imaging services is an attack on our public health system.

These cuts will mean fewer providers will bulk-bill and that patients could face new upfront costs for services such as blood tests, urine tests, pap smears, MRIs and STI checks. These costs will stop patients from getting the tests they need to look after their health and detect serious conditions early.

After the defeat of the GP co-payment in 2015, this is the government’s new push towards a user-pays, Americanised health care system.

It comes on top of cuts to aged care, a freeze on bulk-billing rates for GPs, cuts to essential medicine and a $60 billion cut to public hospitals.

It’s crucial that we build a campaign against these cuts and in support of Medicare.

MOTIONS

The PSA fully supports the national “These Cuts are Killing Us” rallies on February 20;

The PSA will notify all members of the rallies, encourage them to attend and organise contingents;

The PSA calls on the government to reverse these cuts, and calls on Senators to use their powers to reverse any regulations allowing these cuts;

The PSA supports free, universal public health care and calls for increased funding to disadvantaged communities