Opposition leader Tony Abbott will announce a $3.1 billion health plan that would increase the number of available hospital beds and encourage private clinics to remain open longer.
The plan, to be announced later this afternoon, is expected to include $140 million for increased Medicare rebates to encourage after-hour consultations, $25 million for incentives to get GPs to work longer and grants of up to $250,000 to encourage existing medical practices to invest in new facilities.
The Coalition will also fund 2,800 new hospital beds.
The plans are seen as a direct counter to Prime Minster Julia Gillard’s plan to increase the number of so-called GP Super Clinics that are designed to provide after-hours care.
But while Abbott is focusing on health, Gillard remains intent on focussing the campaign on what she says is the Government’s superior economic record, having successfully steered Australia through the global financial crisis and avoided the GFC.
While Gillard acknowledged that there are still sections of the economy struggling, she said that Labor’s ability to make the right “judgement calls” had prevented higher levels of job losses or company collapses.
“They are still doing it tough, yes, but imagine where we would have been if Mr Abbott had been there making the wrong judgement call, seeing this country go into recession.”
Gillard, who is in the Queensland town of Townsville, has concentrated on local issues this morning, promising funding for a ring road in the town.
Meanwhile, the agriculture industry has welcomed the Coalition’s promise to increase R&D funding in the sector by $150 million.
Australian Food and Grocery Council Kate Carnell said the food and grocery manufacturing industry supported the Coalition’s approach to food security and production, including the extra R&D spending.
James was the editor and publisher of SmartCompany and LeadingCompany for five years. He is now the Australian Financial Review‘s companies & markets editor, and a former BRW editor.
