The Government is making noises about abolishing the Medicare levy. This move would have serious consequences.

"Here is a form of tax set aside specifically for the purpose of funding health facilities, hospitals, research etc. It is a reliable form of support for a vitally important function of government i.e. looking after people’s health" said Dr Con Costa, President of the Doctors Reform Society.

"Medicare is now part of the fabric of Australian life, much admired around the world. The levy funds, deliberately earmarked to support Medicare, represent dependable, recurrent funding for the public system. Before the institution of the levy, Health had to compete annually for funding with Defence, Education and Roads, an unnecessary, undignified and wasteful spectacle. There was always the danger that in the process, Health would lose out to the bean counters in the Finance Department" said Dr Costa.

"The push to abolish the Medicare levy must be seen for what it is: an attack on Medicare itself, by depriving it of secure funding" said Dr Costa

12 August, 1998