Rally protests against bulk-bill fee
About 100 people have gathered at Stirling Gardens to protest a Federal Government proposal to charge $5 for bulk-billed GP visits.
The rally is one of many across Australia in response to the proposed fee.
Organiser Miranda Wood said she believed the extra charge would be the “nail in the coffin” for universal healthcare.
“The fee will no doubt add to the number of people in Australia who require medical attention but delay or avoid seeing a doctor due to cost,” she said.
More than 500 people were expected to attend the rally, which was moved from the city after temperatures up to 44C were forecast.
However, it is believed extreme temperatures this afternoon, along with issues with public transport, caused many to stay home.
“It’s the hottest day of the entire year and it is unsafe,” one Facebook user said on the rally’s events page.
The Commission of Audit set up by the Abbott Government to better target Commonwealth services listed a “co-payment” of $5 from bulk-billed patients as a way to increase efficiency, it has been reported.
