Could This Be Money Better Spent? | CPD

One of my many soapbox issues is private health insurance rebate. "In fact, if the rebate were replaced with direct funding of private hospitals (set at the current level of support), we could save the budget’s bottom line $2 billion each year."(CPD) It is unjustifiable in my view. Why should my taxes subsidise preferential health treatment for those who can afford it. I'm a believer in government responsibility for maintaining a top level public system, thus, I don't subscribe to private health insurance but am forced to provide it for others. Some of the benefits they enjoy - in addition to less waiting - include spas, gyms and other 'non-medical' benefits. Why?

What are marginal voters thinking?

‎"We're not stupid"? Prove it! The Labor Party has had one term. I'm not a Labor voter but I'll take anything over Liberals. If people want things to change, take action outside elections, or we'll be stuck with this broken system forever. There is the Green alternative. Does anyone take the time to read their pol...icies? Or any Party's policies for that matter? If you're undecided, it's probably because you're waiting for the next mainstream media headline to help make your decision for you and you've no real grounds to complain if you get spin that backfires on you.

Those frontbench women have given mothers the drop-off

ANNE SUMMERS

In her article in The Age today, Anne Summers - a long-time committed feminist - calls the Government, especially its women, on broken promises to facilitate women having real choices about their workforce participation by providing affordable, accessible childcare.