PM Transcripts

FOR PRESS P. M. No. 1971
PROPOSED INCREASE IN DOCTORS' FEES
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, MR. JOHN GORTON
Dr. Forbes announced last night that he was concerned at the size
of the fee increases recommended by the State Branche s of the Australian
Medical Association. He also stated that he could not accept their recommended increases
as reasonable. Speaking for the Government I now say that we are more than
concerned at the size of the increases. We are appalled that in the
circumstances in which Australia finds itself such great increases in fees should
be even considered by the A. M. A.
The result of these increases would be to present a Bill of $ 32
million to the Australian people and this cost would have to be borne either
by the patients of doctors or by the taxpayer..
I hope and believe that individual doctors in the profession, as
good Australians would be more resp',-nsible than to endorse the stand taken
by their representatives. The Government believes there is no justification whatever for
increpses of this size. We do not believe that any profession should be able to
fix their fees at any level which appeals to them when they are supported by
public money. If agreement cannot be reached between the Government and the
A. M. A. on reasonable increases we believe the matter should go to Arbitration
and .: ot be decided by unilateral action on the part of the A. M. A.
If the A. M. A. refuses to accept this course then the Government
is duty bound in the interests of the Australian people and of the fight against
inflation to take all m6esures open to it to combat the proposed rise.
I have asked representatives of the A. M. A. to come to Canberra to
discuss this whole matter with me on Friday.
CANBERRA 9 February 1971