18 March 2011 Today’s decision by the Australian Medical Association to oppose the establishment of ‘Medicare Locals’ is further proof that the Gillard Labor Government’s so-called health ‘reforms’ are failing.

Shadow Health Minister Peter Dutton welcomed the AMA’s opposition to establishment of yet another layer of bureaucracy in health.

 

Mr Dutton said the Coalition had long voiced concerns about ‘Medicare Locals’ and had warned previously that health professionals should be worried about the Gillard Government’s real intentions.

 

“The AMA says it has been asking for detail about the role of ‘Medicare Locals’, but had been met with silence from the Gillard Government – the reason is simple, the government doesn’t know yet.”

 

Mr Dutton said various leaked documents had shown Health Minister Nicola Roxon was unable to explain to state governments the role and functions of ‘Medicare Locals’.

 

“Labor doesn’t have a plan, it’s making it up as it goes with so-called key planks of its ‘reforms’ constantly being dumped and disappearing.”

 

 “More and more, health professionals will realise that much of Labor’s ‘reform’ is little more than political spin to appear to be doing something.”

 

 “Gillard Labor will impose additional levels of administration and red tape and fail to deliver any benefit to frontline healthcare,” Mr Dutton said.