Liberals stand in the way of relief for 5000 families in Banyule
1 October 2008 The Liberal’s decision to block the Rudd Government’s changes to the Medicare Surcharge Levy in the Senate will mean that over 5000 families in Banyule will miss out on much needed financial relief. In the Senate last week, the Liberals and Senator Steve Fielding rejected the proposed changes that would have provided financial relief of between $1000 to $1500 a year for close to 5000 families in Banyule*.
Under the Government’s proposal, the Medicare Surcharge Levy threshold would have been increased from $100,000 to $150,000 for couples and $50,000 to $75,000 for singles.
“The Rudd Government’s changes would have meant that up to 5000 families in Banyule would not be penalised between $1000 to $1500 a year for not taking out private health insurance”, Ms Jenny Macklin MP, Federal Member for Jagajaga, said today.
“This is a missed opportunity to make a real difference to stretched family budgets.
“The Howard Government’s old Medicare Surcharge Levy income thresholds are completely out of date as they are well over ten years old.
“Since then, wages and household costs have increased”, Ms Macklin said.
“Labor took this policy to the last election and many local families have already made decisions about their health insurance based on the Government’s proposals.” Ms Macklin said.
*ABS Census Data 2006: GROSS FAMILY INCOME (WEEKLY) BY FAMILY COMPOSITION
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