AS most people will be aware, the proposed changes to Level A and B Medicare consultation fees will not begin today as planned.
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While it’s not ideal, I must congratulate the new Minister for Health Sussan Ley and her approach - vowing to consult with doctors and the community before making any changes.
I’d like to make one thing very clear, we cannot bury our heads in the sand on this. Medicare needs changes to remain viable. In the last decade alone, spending has more than doubled from $8 billion in 2004 to $20 billion today. Spending is also projected to climb to $34 billion by 2024.
So as you can see, changes are vital to ensure Medicare remains viable because without changes Medicare will collapse and the last thing we want to do is jeopardise the world-class, affordable healthcare we have access to in Australia.
I’m sure Minister Ley will look at every angle to ensure any co-payment will be modest and only apply to those who can afford it.
LAST Friday was a landmark day for Australia, with the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement coming into force.
Japan is a vital trading partner for Australia, with the two-way trade between the countries reaching $72.2 billion in 2013-2014 - more than 10 per cent of Australia’s total trade. This new free trade agreement will give Australians, and many Calare businesses, greater opportunities in fast-expanding markets.
I believe the options are endless for our region, with agriculture, forestry, mining, manufacturing, processing and horticulture just some of the industries that can benefit from this agreement.
Calare has always performed well on the international stage and with this agreement coming after similar deals with China and Korea, there’s never been a better time than now to look into your overseas export options.
LAST week I had the pleasure of meeting the new State Emergency Service commissioner Adam Dent during his visit to the central west SES headquarters in Bathurst.
Mr Dent is new to the position but has some fascinating ideas for the future and I’m sure he’ll thrive in his new role.
It’s always great to speak with the region’s volunteers - they certainly are the glue that holds our communities together. I tip my hat to all of Calare’s wonderful volunteers.