LIBERAL member for the federal seat of McMillan Russell Broadbent has said few people have raised concerns with him about his government’s new budget.
This article was first published in the 15 August 2014 edition of the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen. Get your copy from retailers across the region today.
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“There hasn’t been a lot said to me directly about budget issues,” Mr Broadbent said.
“A few have raised some issues, but it hasn’t been the number one topic of conversation.
“I think voters are watching interestedly how the Senate is going to play with its role in this nation.”
The Abbott government’s first budget has been controversial, including changes to welfare and support payments as well as proposing a $7 GP copayment.
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A number of key senators have threatened to not pass parts of the budget unless changes are made.
“I think the Senate will do what the Senate will do and what the Senate’s always done – they will be obstructionist when they want to be obstructionist and supportive when they want to be supportive,” Mr Broadbent said.
“We’ll just have to see how that goes.”
When asked how he thought the Senate was likely to behave, Mr Broadbent said “obstructionist.”
The co-payment issue is complex and despite the government initially saying there would be no compromise on its introduction, changes that would see the fee to be waived for the poor and elderly are now under consideration.
Mr Broadbent said there may be concerns in the community and it was important to look after people.
“I’m sure there are concerns in the community,” he said.
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“We need to make sure that those who need support in the the community get the support.
Asked about his own view on the co-payment, Mr Broadbent said: “the co-payment’s the government’s policy and my view is I support the government’s policy.”
I have so many concerns (complaints sounds like a whinge without cause) that I don’t know where to begin.
This week’s poll is a good place to start. A doctor co-payment is (excuse pun) ill-considered in terms of broader social concerns and a long term future projection. One solution to an over burdened service is to ensure workers can have a one-two day sickie without medical certificate for the inevitable cold which, being a virus, cannot be treated by a doctor, but on account of which many employees have to attend a doctor for a certificate when they should be resting up in bed.
The Government’s budget position is that for those of us who are retired and who are moving towards pension age “the age of entitlement is over.” This does not apply however to Mr Broadbent who will collect a pension far more generous than ordinary constituents will receive. I understand he will be granted 80% of his $180,000 back-bencher salary for life yet the rest of us arsed facing the prospect of a pension reduction if Joe Hockey get his way.
Few complaints ? He is evidently not talking to anyone here. Perhaps Mr. Broadbent is avoiding people at the moment in order to avoid questions about his links to the Mafia.
Mafia ??? You say ? Yes. Google it.
Well Mr Broadbent, I have heard plenty of complaints about the budget. I think people feel beaten into ground and haven’t bothered to contact you