Labor and the Greens abandon older Tasmanians

Labor and the Greens have abandoned older Tasmanians, voting against holding the Federal Government to account for its proposed changes to the private health insurance rebate for over 65s.

Liberal Member for Lyons, Jane Howlett, said it's beggars belief that Labor and the Greens would minimise the impacts these changes would have.

“Older Tasmanians, through no fault of their own, are already being impacted by a lack of aged care beds,” Ms Howlett said.

“Removing this rebate will put more pressure on our public health system and disadvantage older Tasmanians.

“Much like how we’re seeing Tasmanians stranded in our hospitals and access to GPs, this is yet another cost-shift from the Commonwealth to the States, with Tasmanians to suffer as a result.

“We’ve heard first hand from older Tasmanians that these changes will force them to downgrade their coverage, completely leave private health insurance altogether, or be forced to make cutbacks in their everyday life to afford higher premiums.

“But despite the obvious impacts this decision will have, Labor and the Greens refused to hold the Federal Government to account.

“They refuse to stand up to Canberra.

“And they have completely turned their backs on older Tasmanians.”