1. Fears $7 co-payment will lead to deaths
Doctors have warned that the $7 co-payment to be announced in tomorrow’s budget will “hurt the poorest and the weakest’’.
The Australian reports that there are fears the co-payment – which would be paid to bulk billing doctors – will see patients clogging hospital emergency wards with patients who had skipped check-ups and could not afford to see a GP, and could even lead to deaths.
According to the newspaper, Medicare data reveals that patients’ out-of-pocket costs have doubled in the past decade.
2. Agencies in budget scrap heaps
News Limited report that the Royal Australian Mint and Defence Housing Australia will be among more than 70 government agencies to be sold, scrapped or merged in tomorrow’s budget.
ASIC’s corporate file registry will be sold and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and the National Water Commission dismantled.
The National Gallery and National Library will also merge their back-office administrations.
3. Pollies pay freeze
It has been revealed that the inclusion of a pay freeze of politicians and senior bureaucrats in tomorrow’s budget was a last minute add-in.
Fairfax Media report that Employment Minister Eric Abetz only sent the request to the Remuneration Tribunal late on Friday.
4. Father reunited with daughter
A QLD girl who was abducted on Saturday night from her home has been found safe.