Fed: Labor policy would disadvantage rural and regional Aust

AAP General News (Australia)
04-03-2001
Fed: Labor policy would disadvantage rural and regional Aust

Health Minister MICHAEL WOOLDRIDGE says Labor's plan to require GPs to offer patients
three choices for referrals is unworkabl.

And, he says the scheme will disadvantage rural and regional Australians.

Dr WOOLDRIDGE says the Labor proposal is to force GPs to send referred patients to
three different specialists, a move that will cost about $500 million.

He says it will disadvantage those in country areas where specialists are scarce.

However, opposition health spokeswoman JENNY MACKLIN says Dr WOOLDRIDGE has misrepresented
the Labor Party's plan.

In a private member's bill on corporate medicine Ms MACKLIN proposes doctors name three
specialists instead of the usual one, allowing patients to chose the one that suits them.

Ms MACKLIN says this will enable the patient to make inquiries and choose the most
suitable and affordable specialist.

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