DOCTORS REFORM SOCIETY

 

Tuesday, 9 December 2003

 

Media Release

TAX CUTS NOT WANTED

 

 

“Australians have repeatedly said that they would prefer better health services instead of tax cuts but despite this the Prime Minister is today reported to be considering tax cuts and ignoring the wishes of the voters on this issue,” said Dr Tim Woodruff, President, Doctors Reform Society.

 

“Patients are increasingly faced with $15 charges to get a repeat prescription from the doctor, $50 to see the doctor, 2 year waits to get surgery at public hospitals, and a threat by the Government to make prescription drugs more expensive,” said Dr Woodruff, “andnow John Howard is hinting that instead of addressing these issues, he is considering tax cuts.”

 

“With a budget surplus of $4.6 billion, the Government cannot claim there is not enough money to restore our public health system,” said Dr Woodruff. “The money should be given back to the people as they have asked for it, as an adequately funded public health system, a healthy Medicare.”