Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers was on the Central Coast recently to discuss implications, especially in the area of health, of the recent Federal Budget with Member for Robertson Gordon Reid and Dr Raymond Fam and his team from Providence Medical Umina.
Topping the agenda for discussion was the government’s record investment in bulk billing and other cost-of-living measures designed to take the pressure off families and businesses.
Chalmers said people were under the pump and the Budget would really make a difference for many on the Coast.
“On the Central Coast we’re delivering cheaper medicines and making it cheaper and easier to see a GP for tens of thousands of locals at the same time as we deliver cheaper power bills and provide extra rental assistance to thousands more,” he said.
“Whether it’s cheaper medicines, more bulk billing or a bit of extra help to pay the rent – our Budget will help local families and local businesses and create more opportunities for more people in this community to get ahead.”
Chalmers said Reid and Member for Dobell Emma McBride were proactive local representatives working hard to deliver policies that would ease the cost of living for people when they needed it most.
Reid said as an emergency doctor, he knows the importance of being able to see a doctor when you are sick.
“The government’s $3.5B investment in Medicare and tripling of the bulk billing incentive will ensure people on the Central Coast will have greater access to their local GP,” he said.
“Around 73,000 people in Robertson will benefit from this investment in Medicare, and it will mean the incentive will increase from $6.60 to $20.65.
“The government is also reducing the cost of medicines by up to a half, which will benefit nearly 42,000 people in Robertson.”
Source:
NSW Government