A new Labor health tax is set to leave regional Victorians without vital healthcare services as the Andrews Government continues its imposition on General Practitioners (GPs).
Labor’s Health Tax would mean backdated payroll tax is levied on local GP clinics, resulting in tax bills of up to hundreds of thousands of dollars and placing the ongoing viability of local clinics at serious risk.
Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said the Patient Tax was estimated to cost $15-$20 extra per visit, which would prevent many people from getting the healthcare when they need it, putting more pressure on an already stretched emergency system.
Ms Cleeland, the Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Health, said the tax would threaten the ongoing viability of clinics, reduce the availability of bulk billing and increase demand on Victoria’s already stretched hospitals.
“It is already challenging to see a GP in regional areas, with many people having to wait several months for an appointment,” Ms Cleeland said.
“If you aren’t registered with a GP clinic, that’s another battle. Most are unable to accept new patients which puts extra strain on our under-pressure urgent care facilities.
“Because Labor has slapped another tax on local GP clinics, the out-of-pocket cost to locals will increase, with fewer bulk-billing clinics.
“This is a dirty cash grab from a broke government who does not care about the health of Victorians.”
Ms Cleeland also said that she was disappointed Labor was continuing to squeeze regional Victoria dry without any regard for the consequences.
“They are expecting regional services to deliver the same or greater outcomes, yet at the same time are pulling more and more money out of them,” Ms Cleeland said.
“You cannot get good outcomes by abandoning the regions – not now, not ever.
“Labor should be ashamed they are making it harder for GPs when we need them the most.”
A petition to stop this tax is available to sign at: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/view-sign-e-petitions/details/12/527