Fix Medicare? Raise the Levy

Date: 01 May 2003

The South Coast Labour Council has called for an increase to the Medicare levy to be considered as an alternative to the proposed medicare changes.

The Secretary of the South Coast Labour Council Arthur Rorris said,

"Most people don't mind paying a little more tax through the medicare levy if it is spent on the public health system and not used to prop up private health insurance companies."

"Howard wants to force the battlers to pay for the health system three times, once through their taxes, second through a co-payment and again through private health insurance."

"If this gets through it will be the end of medicare"

The South Coast Labour Council also resolved to:

- Co-Sponsor with the Memeber for Throsby, Jennie George, a seminar to examine health funding options and stratgies to increase access to health services.

- Endorse a "Save Medicare Rally" in Wollongong on March 17.

- Urge affiliates, in consultation with the ACTU and Labor Council of NSW to factor in Medicare components to all future wage claims should the proposed changes be implemented by the federal government.

For further information

Contact:	Arthur Rorris
Union:	South Coast Labour Council
Phone:	0424 292888
Contact Mobile:	0409 223029

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