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Posted 15th December 2008
BLOOD TAX
The NSW Government, in the recent mini-budget, introduced a charge to private hospitals for the provision of blood and blood products.
I understand this decision was taken without consultation with private hospitals, the National Blood Authority (NBA) or the Australian Red Cross Blood Service.
The proposed action by NSW is inconsistent with the stated role of the NBA, namely that it
"will ensure that all Australians have universal access to safe, high quality blood and blood products regardless of their location".
In addition, this decision is contrary to the policy aims of the National Blood Agreement, in particular
"to provide products to patients free of charge and based on clinical need and appropriate clinical practice".
As the operations of the NBA are jointly funded by the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments under the terms of the National Blood Agreement, NSW is essentially discriminating against private hospital patients by asking them to pay twice for a service that is already funded through government taxes and charges.
I encourage you to sign the petition asking for this decision to be rescinded and/or to write to the Honourable Nathan Rees, Premier NSW expressing your feelings about the decision and asking him to rescind the decision.
Download a blank petition here.
Download a form letter here.
Posted 12th December 2008 December Newsletter My December Newsletter has been delivered and is also on Newsletters section of this website. I hope that you find it interesting. Since the item on E-TAGS was written there has been an other payment option introduced. You can now pay a $1.25 monthly fee instead of a $40 deposit, but this is unlikely to be of benefit for many people. Greg Piper Posted 4 December 2008 New Homes and New Jobs for Lake Macquarie Member for Lake Macquarie, Greg Piper, welcomed the Government's approval of a major new residential development at North Cooranbong and is pleased the project supports the growth of Morisset as a major emerging retail and commercial centre. "There is a responsibility to provide for much needed housing and at the same time deliver employment and community infrastructure in the Southlake area." Mr Piper said. "This project will do just that by adding significantly to residential land availability, providing specific affordable housing options, creating jobs for current and future residents and delivering other important infrastructure including road and intersection upgrades, parks, playgrounds and cycleways." "This will be good for everyone, particularly young families and those starting out with their first home." "The approval by the Minister, and the Voluntary Planning Agreement with Council will also ensure that some 120 hectares - over one third of the land, will be retained for conservation purposes. This is a great outcome with this land having the highest level of conservation zoning under the Lake Macquarie Local Environmental Plan 2004." he said. |
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