Local families will be among the hardest hit by the Abbott Government’s GP Tax, new Medicare analysis has shown, Member for Lalor Joanne Ryan said today.

“Families in our region could be forced to pay $6 every time they visit their doctor if the Abbott Government breaks yet another election promise and introduces a GP Tax,” Ms Ryan said.

“In our community, with a bulk billing rate of nearly 91%, $6 a visit would cost local residents more than $7.5 million every year.”

Ms Ryan said that this was an unprecedented attack on Medicare and would hurt those who could least afford it.

“Medicare has always been about ensuring that every Australian can access the healthcare they need, regardless of how much they have in their pocket.”

“With a GP Tax, local families who are already struggling to make ends meet simply won’t be able to afford to take their sick child or an elderly relative to their local doctor.”

“And if the Abbott Government wants to charge $6 now, there is no guarantee the price won’t keep going up and up.”

Ms Ryan said that Tony Abbott was breaking promise after promise to the Australian people.

“Mr Abbott said prior to the election that he wouldn’t bring in any new taxes, but yet again he’s done a backflip.”

“As the Member for Lalor, I will continue to fight any attempt by this government to hurt the health of our local community.”