CATHERINE KING MP

SHADOW MINISTER FOR HEALTH

MEMBER FOR BALLARAT


SENATOR CAROL BROWN
SHADOW PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR
FAMILIES AND PAYMENTS
LABOR SENATOR FOR TASMANIA

MEDIA RELEASE

WHITELEY SHOULD FIGHT FOR ABOLITION OF GP TAX


Tasmanian Liberal MP Brett Whiteley has joined the growing revolt within Coalition
ranks against Tony Abbott's GP Tax.

The Federal Member for Braddon has told his local paper the GP Tax should be
scrapped for pensioners and people with chronic illness.

Tasmanian Labor Senator Carol Brown said she was surprised it had taken
Mr Whiteley three months to realise the tax would hurt Tasmanians.

It is unbelievable that Mr Whiteley has suddenly woken up to the fact that this is a
terrible tax which will hurt Tasmanians.

His new found concern about the tax is more about saving his own job than
genuine concern about sick people.

He has refused to accept that the $7 GP tax will prevent people from going to the
doctor because they simply cant afford it."

Shadow Minister for Health Catherine King said Mr Whiteley was the latest in a
growing list of Liberal MPs recognising the GP Tax is a disaster.

"It's time for Tony Abbott to listen to what Labor, and most health experts and
professionals have been telling him since the rotten tax was first announced," Ms
King said.

"The GP Tax must be scrapped for all Australians."

Senator Brown said Mr Whiteley's call for the tax to be scrapped for pensioners and
people with chronic illnesses is too little, too late.

There is over 20 per cent youth unemployment in North West Tasmania and I ask
Mr Whiteley why young unemployed should have to pay this unfair new GP tax to go
to the doctor?

This tax must be abolished now for everyone.

GPs and the Australian Medical Association dont want the tax and say it will be
detrimental to peoples health.

It is bad health policy and everyone, but particularly poor and vulnerable
Tasmanians, will suffer because of this tax.

It will also put extra pressure on public hospitals and emergency waiting times.

THURSDAY, 14 AUGUST 2014

MEDIA CONTACT: STEPHEN SPENCER (KING) 0423 596 573
SUE BAILEY (BROWN) 0417 550 279