GP costs surge in St George under Liberals

Official new data confirms what people in the St George area already know – that health costs have never been higher than under the Morrison Government.

The Government’s own Health Department has revealed to the Senate that people in the electorate of Barton, which includes the St George area, pay an average out-of-pocket fee of $36.35 to see a GP.

This is a record high – up $6.92 or 42% since the Liberals were elected.

The Health Department has also contradicted the Government’s claims on bulk billing, admitting that 14.2% of patients in the Barton electorate have to pay to see a GP.

This is set to worsen, with GP bulk billing in Barton falling under the Coalition.

Specialist out-of-pocket fees are also at record highs, with people in Barton paying an average $97.02 to see a specialist– up a staggering $30.85 or 47% under the Liberals.

With just 29% of people in Barton always bulk billed by specialists, these costs hit thousands of locals every year.

These new figures are a damning indictment of the Liberal’s record of cuts and neglect in health.

“Seeing a doctor and accessing health services in Barton has become more difficult under the Liberals,” said Labor member for Barton Linda Burney.

 “After the Liberals tried and failed to impose a GP Tax, they introduced the Medicare freeze – a GP Tax-by-stealth”, said Shadow Health Minister Chris Bowen.

“The Prime Minister extended the freeze as Treasurer, leading directly to the out-of-pocket costs that people in Barton face today”, he said.  

Health costs have never been higher than under the Morrison Government. 

LINDA BURNEY

MEDIA RELEASE - THURSDAY, 20 FEBRUARY 2020