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Amid confusion over the future of the proposed $7 GP co-payment, the head of Australia’s nursing union cautions the fight’s not over yet.
“We are obviously pleased that the government is reportedly planning to shelve the GP fee for the time being,” ANMF federal secretary Lee Thomas said. “It’s a relief for nurses and midwives and the people they care for.
"With the government continuing to send mixed messages on whether the GP fee is in or out, we are warning the community that we can’t all relax just yet,” Thomas said. “We’re still very concerned Mr Abbott remains determined to destroy Medicare and will try again to introduce a co-payment for basic health services through the back door.
“It was a Round 1 victory for us, but we know Mr Abbott ... could try to introduce co-payments through other means. That’s why the fight goes on.”
Treasurer Joe Hockey confirmed from Canberra that the proposed co-payment still stands.
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