Sophie stands up for locals with private health insurance after Rudd Govt breaks promise

03-March-2009

“The Rudd Government has today delivered an enormous blow to North-East families, residents and pensioners with private health insurance,” Federal Liberal Member for Indi, Sophie Mirabella MP said today.

“The Rudd Government has delivered a major blow to over 30%of local North East residents with its decision to approve an increase in private health premiums by 6.02%.”

“Health Minister Nicola Roxon’s approval of this increase is a major set back for families in the current economic climate. This will cost locals up to an extra $200 per year,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“In opposition the Labor Party made no secret of their contempt for private health insurance.”

“I fail to see how slugging families who have private health insurance up to an extra $200 will deliver on Kevin Rudd and Labor’s election promise of “a better health system,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“The Government should be providing incentives and encouraging as many people as possible to have private health insurance to take the pressure off the already struggling public system which State Labor Governments have neglected for years.

This can only result in longer public hospital waiting lists.”

“Household and family budgets will hurt as a result of Kevin Rudd and Labor’s actions,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“The Coalition will be taking the fight up to the Government. They have election commitments that need to be delivered on and they have a public and now private system that is in danger because of their incompetence.”

“I will continue to stand up for rural and regional health services. This Government shouldn’t be allowed to get away with broken promises,” Mrs Mirabella concluded.