Mr Windsor says there is strong interest in health matters in the electorate.A prominent international think tank is calling on the Government to restructure Medicare. The Institute of Health Economics and Technology Assessment says raising taxes alone is not a sustainable way to finance a health system, particularly as Australia's population ages.
Institute director Paul Gross says Australia needs to move towards more privatised health insurance.
"Looking at the way we are paying for it and what we're raising for it from the Medicare levy, about $6 billion a year out of total expenditures of about $70 billion this year, Medicare is not going to be able to pay for the care we need in the future," he said.
Meanwhile, an Independent member of Federal Parliament says a survey of his electorate has shown strong support for an increased Medicare levy. Federal Member for New England Tony Windsor says 4,000 people have responded to a survey he is conducting in his electorate. He says there is strong support for the Government to increase the Medicare levy from 1.5 per cent to 2 per cent.
Respondents believe there is an argument for a 0.5 per cent increase if it is used to improve bulk billing levels, extend payment to dental care and deliver more medical services.
Mr Windsor says there is strong interest in health matters in the electorate.
By Health 13 July 04
