Medibank was Australia's first universal, government-funded, health insurance system. It was dismantled by a subsequent conservative government but then reinstituted as Medicare in 1984. This is now a health system so popular with the Australian public that conservative governments ideologically opposed to providing universal access to health care have not yet dared to dismantle it.
A brief history of the activities of the Doctors Reform
Society of Queensland:
Beginnings in the mid-late 1970's:
The aims of DRS Qld were the same as other DRS branches:
To bring influence to bear to promote needed reforms
in health care delivery systems.
To improve communication between doctors, allied
health professionals, the public, and governments regardless of their political
persuasion.
To study and promote social and environmental reforms
in areas relevant to health and medical practice.
The late 1970's to early 1980's:
Several themes drew comment from DRS Qld.
The numerous changes to the federal health system
and their effects on Qld's free hospital system.
Concerns about unnecessary surgery especially tonsillectomy
and hysterectomy as influenced by the fee for service payment systems.
Rights of children to confidentiality.
In 1982:
DRS Qld hosted the 1982 DRS National Conference
where the DRS endorsed the then Hayden Health Plan of universal health
insurance.
Joined in the debate on medical fraud and overservicing
that grew into a major issue for the first time.
Argued for rational medical workforce planning and
against means testing in the free hospital system.
Assisted with the provision of a 24 hour medical
service to the Aboriginal protesters during the 1982 Commonwealth Games.
Drew media attention to the risk protesters faced
from special batons used by the Qld police.
In 1983:
DRS Qld supported the election of the Hawke Government
and the creation of Medicare.
Raised concerns over the adverse health effects
of unemployment.
With the Aboriginal and Islander Community Health
Service supported the findings of research showing high death rates in
Aboriginal communities.
Supported the decriminalization of the use of marijuana.
Supported Children by Choice by advocating abortion
law reform in Qld.
In 1984:
DRS Qld supported DRS NSW during the Doctor's (specialists)
Strike by the AMA in New South Wales.
Made a detailed submission to the Pennington Committee
of Inquiry into private practice in public hospitals supporting the role
of full-time salaried specialists.
Supported rally for peace and disarmament.
Supported the formation of DRS Australia at the
National Conference in Sydney.
During 1985-88:
DRS Qld continued support for changes to Qld abortion
law.
Drew public's attention to threats to Qld free hospital
system.
Held consumer and union seminar on the concerns
over the free hospital system.
Lobbied Qld Labor Federal Government politicians
over recurrent pre-budget threats to Medicare funding and increases in
pharmaceutical costs to patients.
Liason with growing local Community Health Association.
Made submissions to Federal Government inquiries
on income support for unemployed and income support for people with disabilities.
Hosted the 1988 National Conference in Brisbane.
Assisted in the development of the first DRS national policy document.
During 1989-1994:
DRS Qld ran a seminar on the future of General Practice
in 1989.
Advocated changes to gun laws in Qld.
Submission to the Senate select committee on the
proposed vocational register for general practice.
Held meetings with new state Labor Minister for
Health in early 1990 on concerns over the spilling of medical officer positions
in the Public Service; and discussed ideas for reform of health department.
Attacked Federal Labor Governments increases to
the cost of prescribed drugs.
Detailed submission to the Qld Health Minister supporting
regionalization and the formation of a Health Complaints Unit plus involvement
of consumers in the planning process.
Contributed to development of National DRS HIV policy.
Submission to Senate Committee inquiry into prescription
and supply of drugs late 1991.
From Aug. 1991 to April 1992 in combination with
consumers and unions successfully fought off the co-payment introduced
in the 1991 Federal Budget.
DRS made a member of the Australian Pharmaceutical
Advisory Council 1991.
Formed coalition with consumers and unions to defend
Medicare in March 1993 Federal election.
Advocating changes to the laws restricting medical
advertising in Qld 1993-4.
DRS Qld contributes to the DRS Australia submission
to ACTU/Caucus Working Party Report on Health Insurance in early 1994.
Since then... :
By the end of 1994 it was apparent that Australia's
universal health insurance system Medicare had substantial rhetorical support
from within both the major political groupings in Australia, the Labor
Party and the Liberal-National party coalition. This has represented a
historical landmark. Despite this Medicare does remain under constant threat
of being slowly dismantled, with increased funding going to private for-profit
health insurance funds and healthcare. The DRS continues its role alerting
and educating the public.
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