Bill Shorten, Member for Maribyrnong and Leader of the Opposition, today hit the streets of Moonee Ponds encouraging people to sign Labor’s Medicare petition, opposing the Abbott Government’s plan for patients to pay an upfront fee to see a doctor.

On Saturday Labor celebrated Medicare’s 30^th birthday with Australians that value our universal healthcare scheme, including those who haven’t known any different.

For 30 years Medicare has been making healthcare affordable and accessible for Australians - this is now under threat from Mr Abbott and his Government.

Speaking outside of the Medicare office on Puckle St, Moonee Ponds Mr Shorten said, “I have heard from many people today of their concerns that the Government is planning to put a tax on going to the doctor, and that healthcare for their family will become unaffordable”.

The Abbott Government has already hit Australians hard, with the biggest increase to private health insurance premiums in a decade.

“Once the GP tax is introduced, I have no doubt the Abbott Government will open the floodgate to annual increases, making it tough for families already struggling with the cost of living.” Mr Shorten said.

“Labor is proud to be the party of Medicare – it was Labor who raised bulk-billing rates to their highest rates ever and it is Labor who will continue to protect Australia’s universal healthcare system” Mr Shorten said.

“I believe that all Australians deserve the healthcare they need, not the care they can afford”.

Media Contact: Kieran Barns-Jenkins 9326 1300 / 04218 838 878