League supporters take it up to Medicare

Rugby league fans were asked to blow the whistle on John Howard's plan 
to scrap Medicare by dozens of Save Medicare activists from PHHAMAQ, the 
Queensland umbrella group uniting consumers, unions, health care workers 
and community organisations who rallied outside the Brisbane's refurbished 
Lang Park, asking footy fans to sign petitions.

The move follows overwhelming support from Brisbane rugby league supporters 
for last year's nurses' wage claim.

Prior to 2002's first State of Origin encounter, more than 5000 people 
added their names to a nurses' petition with, at one point, the state 
Premier's car being held up by people queuing to sign.

PHHAMAQ has identified inadequate public hospital funding, the undermining 
of bulk billing, co-payments, and increasing out-of-pockets expenses as key 
planks in the Prime Minister's campaign to undermine Medicare.

There is also widespread concern amongst public health supporters about the 
billions of dollars being sucked out of the system each year by Federal 
Government's private healthcare rebates.

PHHAMAQ wants Australians to tell their stories to the Senate Inquiry which 
will be examining the issue in Brisbane next month.

Queenslanders interested in getting involved in this Save Medicare campaign 
and want more information should contact Katrina McGill on 1800 065 885.

Call to LHMU members

The Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers' Union's Katrina McGill 
called on Queensland LHMU members opposed to US-style health care to 
contact her with personal accounts of how they have been disadvantaged by 
the drive towards user-pays.

"Unions and community groups are leading the fight to retain a decent 
health system in this country", says Ms McGill. "Raise your voice in 
defence of Medicare and universal health cover."

For more information about this campaign and how you can get involved go to 
the LHMU website www.lhmu.org.au and visit their Save Medicare page.

Sydney protest

The Senate Committee's Sydney hearings commenced on Tuesday this week. As 
the Committee was meeting in the Jubilee Room at the State Parliament 
House, protestors joined a rally outside in defence of Medicare.

The rally was organised by the Save Medicare Alliance.

It was supported by a range of trade unions, community organisations and 
political groups including the Communist Party of Australia.