Australia —
People with disabilities across Australia are
disappointed and angered at the lack of compassion from
firstly the government and secondly the ALP in supporting
up to 30% increases to the cost of medicines in
Australia.
For years the disability sector has
been impressing upon governments, the increased costs of
having a disability and this week we see a political
football passed from one side to another which simply
adds to these costs.
We have seen steady increases in
the costs of medicines, doctors fees, transport, housing,
heating, cooling, food, and in more recent times the GST
with no thought or compensation for those who have the
greatest need.
With the decline in bulk billing
and the increased costs of medicines with or without a
PBS subsidy, people with disabilities will be unable to
afford to see doctors or fill prescriptions which will
result in an even greater pull on the government purse
strings because more and more people will need to be
hospitalised in public facilities in order to receive
much needed treatment.
If there are additional health
conditions during this time, this is an added
cost.
PDCA calls on all political parties
to put away their need for votes in the coming Federal
Election and start acting more responsibly to those with
the greatest needs.
Contact: Maurice Corcoran,
President - Physical Disability Council of Australia
(PDCA) - 0438 463 616
Sue Egan, Executive Officer - 07
3267 1057
