Thursday, 16 November 2023

Payroll tax

Annabelle CLEELAND (Euroa) (10:01): After listening to the concerns of GPs in my region, I know many believe they will have to close as a result of this Labor government’s newly introduced payroll tax. GP clinics in both Kilmore and Broadford have said that this health tax will force them to shut their doors. With these facilities offering free appointments to war veterans and the elderly as well as servicing an ageing community, their value to our region is obvious to see, despite how this government might act. Kilmore Medical Centre’s practice manager Ram said:

We’re struggling to keep our head above water and the only hand this government has given us is one that will drown us …

Broadford Medical Clinic owner Dr Geetha has said:

If you’re going to change things and make it difficult for us, we might have to one day close and I don’t want to see that day.

There is large concern that patients will put off seeking medical care until their condition has significantly deteriorated, turning small health problems into dangerous conditions. Maureen Sanders, an 82-year-old patient at Broadford Medical Clinic for more than 20 years, said the clinic provided a better quality of care than hospitals due to patient–doctor relationships. She said:

I love coming here. It fills all my needs and I don’t feel like I’m a number …

Already some days I’ve rang up and been told the clinic isn’t open because they’ve got no doctors. This is going to be the future if nothing gets done.

I am appalled the Minister for Health has dismissed the concerns of GPs in my community and told them to get over it. The minister has a responsibility to protect GP clinics, yet she does not.