Medicare not missiles - model trade union motion

[The Socialist Alliance is circulating this petition for use in union meetings. If passed, please email <ne@socialist-alliance.org> to let the alliance know.]

This branch of the [name of union] is committed to defending Medicare, and to its extension to a full, free, universal health-care system.

The resources that go to private health insurance, private hospitals and the huge profits of global medical corporations should be redirected to create a health system that meets public need.

We reject the federal government's proposal to abolish bulk billing.

We call on the union to develop a campaign amongst the membership to:

1. Alert all members to the dangers posed by the Howard government's attacks on Medicare, which would further widen the gap between quality health care for those who can pay and a second-rate health system for the rest of us.

2. Organise delegate and workplace meetings to consider what action can be taken to defend and extend Medicare.

From Green Left Weekly, August 20, 2003.

Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

From GLW issue 550