The treasurer referred to the A$13 billion “zombie” measures the Senate has failed to pass as a “Senate tax”, in justifying the tax increases in this budget.
Lukas Coch
The budget was extraordinary in many ways. It is an abandonment of restraint on taxes by a liberal government. It is nakedly populist and it also acknowledges that government debt can be productive.
Eating disorders are among the leading causes of hospitalisation for mental-health-related issues in Australia.
from shutterstock.com
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has asked the Medicare review taskforce to consider increasing the number of subsidised mental health sessions for those with eating disorders. Why is that necessary?
The NDIS rollout has been plagued with issues from the start.
from shutterstock.com
Richard Lachmann, University at Albany, State University of New York
A scholar considers the limits of 'running government like a business.'
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Labor leader Bill Shorten addressed the National Press Club on February 1 and January 31 respectively.
AAP Image/Mick Tsikas
In twin speeches to the National Press Club, Labor leader Bill Shorten said bulk-billing rates are falling, while Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said bulk-billing is at record levels. Who was right?
A blockchain could be used to record all of our interactions with the government.
Shutterstock
The problems with Centrelink's data-matching system stem from reconciling datasets held by different agencies. What if we used a blockchain to create a single source of data?
Should the government be able to use intellectual property laws to control who can criticise its health policies by using the Medicare logo?
AAP/Joel Carrett
Using intellectual property laws to try to shut down Mark Rogers’ 'Save Medicare' website shows how these laws serve to restrict free speech and advance government privatisation agendas.
Rising marketplace premiums have led to calls for changes in the marketplace.
AP
Double-digit premium increases are leading to an outcry that the Affordable Care Act is not working, yet parts of it are. Here’s what works, and ideas on how to fix what doesn't.
Was Labor’s Catherine King right about the rising cost of GP visits?
AAP Image/Julian Smith
Shadow minister for health and medicare Catherine King said under this government, average out-of-pocket costs for GP visits are up by almost 20%. Is that true?
Suicide is uncommon during pregnancy – it occurs more frequently when a pregnancy is over.
Mikel Garcia Idiakez/flickr
The clinical committee reviewing obstetrics services for the federal government's Medicare review said suicide is one of the leading causes of maternal death in Australia. Is that true?
Health care costs and rates of chronic disease are rising.
Photographee.eu/Shutterstock
For real reform to Medicare’s fee-for-service payments model, we need to look for more innovative solutions to how we pay for health care. These can be found in an unlikely place: the United States.
This approach will help concentrate efforts on evidence and value rather than ideologically based, slash-and-burn approaches.
AAP Image/Fairfax Media Pool/Andrew Meares
The government must do more to deliver a 21st-century health system – not just to improve its standing with voters but to meet the health needs of all Australians.
The idea of regulating what is ‘true’ in political speech is neither new nor easy.
AAP/Mick Tsikas
Health policy was an important factor in the election outcome, but one of the most important issues in the health sector – the impact of out-of-pocket costs – was mostly ignored.
There is a strong political and economic case for the government to cut its support for private insurance and to restore Medicare to its original role.
Lukas Coch/AAP
As he struggles with the lessons of the recent past and the challenges of the immediate future, Malcolm Turnbull needs to avoid two dangers. One is being spooked by the conservatives inside and outside…
Three more years for Malcolm Turnbull and the Coalition.
AAP/David Moir