On Feb. 23, Dutton announced a $9 billion investment in Medicare, matching Labor’s proposed $8.5 billion plan.
The Medicare debate has once again taken centre stage in the lead-up to the Australian federal election, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dismissing Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s latest pledge as mere political manoeuvring.
“What we saw from the opposition yesterday was just pure politics. It’s what they did prior to 2013, and then the 2014 Budget papers are very clear about $50 billion of cuts to hospitals,” Albanese said on Feb. 24.
He further criticised the Coalition’s past approach to healthcare, recalling their attempts to introduce a GP co-payment, increase pharmaceutical costs, and impose fees on emergency department visits.
Albanese pointed out that Dutton, during his tenure as health minister, was once voted the worst health minister in history by the Australian Medical Association (AMA).
“The thing with Peter Dutton is that you get thought bubbles,” Albanese added.
Coalition Targets Bulk Billing Decline
In response, the Coalition argued that under Labor, bulk billing has plummeted, making it more difficult and expensive for Australians to see…
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