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Issue No. 324 | 15 September 2006 |
Democracy Rules
Interview: Australia�s Most Wanted Industrial: The Fox and the Contractor Unions: Industrial Wasteland International: Two Bob's Worth Economics: National Interest Environment: The Real Dinosaur History: Only In Spain? Review: Clerk Off
Broken Down and Packaged for Export Child's Play: New Low for Spooks Buy Gum and Masticate on "Associates"
Legends The Soapbox Obituary Fiction
Labor Council of NSW |
News Medibank Sale "Critical"
As Coalition MPs get ready to vote on legislation enabling the sale; unions, policy holders and other activists will step up their opposition. According to CPSU spokesman Stephen Jones it would be "reckless" for politicians to vote on enabling legislation without knowing the form or the timing of the sale. "Deferring a public float until after T3 does nothing to change the Federal Government's plan to push through legislation to privatise Medibank next month," Jones said. "That leaves Medibank Private members and staff in limbo. And it does nothing to relieve community concerns about upward pressure on premiums. Once this legislation is passed the Government will be free to push the sale through when they think it is politically expedient." Private health insurance industry experts, consumer groups, the AMA, and Chronic Illness Alliance, have all opposed Government claims that the Medibank sale will lower premiums through increased competition and efficiency. "Even Medibank - in a 1996 Productivity Commission inquiry - has admitted the interests of members are best served when funds "view their members as 'shareholders' for whom the delivery of lower prices is a dividend," said Jones Recent opinion polls indicate strong opposition to the sale of Medibank. The Save Medibank alliance has begun lobbying Government MPs and Senators outlining concerns and will campaign on the issue in marginal seats. Contact the Alliance at: http://www.savemedibank.net.au
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