NEW Health Minister and member for Farrer Sussan Ley has got down to business with her promised consultations with doctors on the government’s planned Medicare reforms.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A lesser politician may have found it difficult to move on from the government’s backflip just a fortnight ago on the introduction of a $20 rebate cut for GP visits, but Ms Ley yesterday gave Border doctors the opportunity for an open conversation.
In return, doctors offered their view that they were optimistic about the outcome of their discussions with Ms Ley.
Generally there was an acceptance by doctors of the need to move towards more “user-pays” in Medicare, but a determined view that protection of the disadvantaged was non-negotiable.
Border doctors have also taken the opportunity to raise issues including GP training and changes to Medicare Locals.
But they have welcomed Ms Ley’s commitment to meet them and it’s a good start for her new portfolio and certainly one of the brighter spots for a government that is in difficulties.
Ms Ley has made a smart move in opening negotiations with doctors within her electorate before taking the discussions to a wider audience.
