Posted on: 01 July 2024
From tomorrow, South Australians will pay more to see their general practitioner as Peter Malinauskas’ GP payroll tax grab kicks in.
The Opposition has been standing shoulder to shoulder with GPs, who have been warning this tax grab will have catastrophic consequences for our health system – as it will deter sick South Australians from seeing their GP, increase the pressure on our hospital system, and exacerbate the ramping crisis.
The tax grab comes into effect while South Australia’s health system is at breaking point – with a record 4,773 hours lost to ramping last month, a Code Yellow internal emergency at our hospitals stretching into its fifth week, and as the shocking pregnancy due date data scandal comes to light.
Today, the Liberal Party is launching a petition calling on Peter Malinauskas to “scrap the tax” and keep the cost of seeing a GP down.
Leader of the Opposition and acting Shadow Minister for Health, David Speirs, said while he’s urging Peter Malinauskas to end his GP tax grab now, he’s committed to scrapping it if elected in 2026.
“If Peter Malinauskas thinks increasing the cost for South Australians to visit a GP is how he’s going to fix ramping, then he is sorely mistaken,” Mr Speirs said.
“We know GP practices already operate on slim margins, and while doctors don’t want to put this extra cost burden on their patients, they’re left with little choice.
“This tax grab will be an absolute disaster as the added costs will force patients into our overwhelmed EDs, or sick South Australians will let their illnesses deteriorate to the point where they need hospital care that could have been avoided.
“We’re calling on Peter Malinauskas to stop this madness now and scrap the tax. If he doesn’t, we will.”
Shadow Treasurer, Matt Cowdrey, said Peter Malinauskas must stop grabbing money from the pockets of hardworking South Australians during a cost of living crisis.
“Many South Australians are doing it tough right now and are struggling to pay for the cost of everyday essentials, so it’s outrageous Peter Malinauskas is proceeding with a situation where they could pay up to $20 more to see their GP,” Mr Cowdrey said.
“Not only is the price of a GP visit set to rise from tomorrow under Labor, but water bills too by $85 per year on average for households.
“Peter Malinauskas can try to spin these added costs to family budgets all he wants, but the reality is South Australians are worse off under Labor.”