DICKSON NEWS Oct09
From your
Federal Member for Dickson
PETER DUTTON
Phone 3205 9977
Email peter.dutton.mp@aph.gov.au
Extended Medicare Safety Net
The Coalition has successfully moved an amendment to the Health Insurance Amendment (Extended Medicare Safety Net) Bill in the Senate. The Government must now seek parliamentary approval to make any changes in the future thus safeguarding patients across Australia who rely on the protection of the safety net to ensure affordable access to quality health care.
After extensive Coalition pressure, the health Minister, Nicola Roxan has given in to concerns about the impact of safety net caps to macular degeneration and IVF treatment.
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in Australia, affecting one in seven Australians over the age of 50. It is responsible for 48% of cases of severe vision loss.
Under the Government’s caps to the Extended Medicare Safety Net, re-imbursement for treatment, which involves an injection of the drug Lucentis into the eye at regular intervals, would have fallen from an average $236.20 per treatment to just $80.
A saving of $4 million a year by capping rebates was not worth the anguish sufferers would go through worrying that the result might be blindness. Likewise I am also pleased we have been able to change the governments mind on IVF caps that could put the chances of having a child out of the financial reach of many couples.
In my role as Shadow Health Minister I am determined to protect and improve our health system and prevent the government from making cuts to vital funding in an attempt to fund its cash splash. We have already seen promised funds from the last Budget taken from other portfolios, such as housing, to accommodate the blow out and prop up the reckless building revolution in schools, but health is one portfolio that cannot be sacrificed.
Beyond Blue
October is beyond blue’s Anxiety and Depression Awareness month with Mental Health week the 4 to 10 October 2009. Depression is common and can affect anyone at any time for many different reasons. More than one million people in Australia experience depression – however, with the right treatment most recover.
People are encouraged to use this month to help raise awareness in their workplace during October. A free ADA Month kit and suggestions such as staff morning teas, displaying posters, wearing blue for a day and many others can be found at www.beyondblue.org.au or by calling 1800 222 718.
Christmas Card Competition
I hope students and teachers have had a great break and are ready for the final school term for 2009. Once again this year I will be holding my Christmas card competition and entry forms have gone out to schools in Dickson this week. I encourage students to participate for the opportunity to have their art work included in my Christmas card for 2009 and the possibility of winning a family movie pass. Entries close on Friday October 23.
Free tax help for low income earners
With tax time upon us, local low income earners will again be able to access free help with their tax returns at my office. A volunteer tax helper will assist residents to work through the process of preparing and lodging their tax return.
Tax Help is available to anyone who is classified as a low income earner, which for individuals, is a person who earns less than $40,000. The income threshold to access this service is higher for people with children, with an additional $2,500 of income allowed for each child.
To make an appointment please contact my office on 3205 9977. All tax returns must be lodged by 31 October.
The Coalition has successfully moved an amendment to the Health Insurance Amendment (Extended Medicare Safety Net) Bill in the Senate. The Government must now seek parliamentary approval to make any changes in the future thus safeguarding patients across Australia who rely on the protection of the safety net to ensure affordable access to quality health care.
After extensive Coalition pressure, the health Minister, Nicola Roxan has given in to concerns about the impact of safety net caps to macular degeneration and IVF treatment.
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in Australia, affecting one in seven Australians over the age of 50. It is responsible for 48% of cases of severe vision loss.
Under the Government’s caps to the Extended Medicare Safety Net, re-imbursement for treatment, which involves an injection of the drug Lucentis into the eye at regular intervals, would have fallen from an average $236.20 per treatment to just $80.
A saving of $4 million a year by capping rebates was not worth the anguish sufferers would go through worrying that the result might be blindness. Likewise I am also pleased we have been able to change the governments mind on IVF caps that could put the chances of having a child out of the financial reach of many couples.
In my role as Shadow Health Minister I am determined to protect and improve our health system and prevent the government from making cuts to vital funding in an attempt to fund its cash splash. We have already seen promised funds from the last Budget taken from other portfolios, such as housing, to accommodate the blow out and prop up the reckless building revolution in schools, but health is one portfolio that cannot be sacrificed.
Beyond Blue
October is beyond blue’s Anxiety and Depression Awareness month with Mental Health week the 4 to 10 October 2009. Depression is common and can affect anyone at any time for many different reasons. More than one million people in Australia experience depression – however, with the right treatment most recover.
People are encouraged to use this month to help raise awareness in their workplace during October. A free ADA Month kit and suggestions such as staff morning teas, displaying posters, wearing blue for a day and many others can be found at www.beyondblue.org.au or by calling 1800 222 718.
Christmas Card Competition
I hope students and teachers have had a great break and are ready for the final school term for 2009. Once again this year I will be holding my Christmas card competition and entry forms have gone out to schools in Dickson this week. I encourage students to participate for the opportunity to have their art work included in my Christmas card for 2009 and the possibility of winning a family movie pass. Entries close on Friday October 23.
Free tax help for low income earners
With tax time upon us, local low income earners will again be able to access free help with their tax returns at my office. A volunteer tax helper will assist residents to work through the process of preparing and lodging their tax return.
Tax Help is available to anyone who is classified as a low income earner, which for individuals, is a person who earns less than $40,000. The income threshold to access this service is higher for people with children, with an additional $2,500 of income allowed for each child.
To make an appointment please contact my office on 3205 9977. All tax returns must be lodged by 31 October.
