On GP payroll tax and drone bees
Today, readers comment on a contentious state tax and why Trev should stay in the hive.
Commenting on the story: Calls to ditch ‘dumb tax’ on SA GPs
The Treasurer is falling into the same trap as most politicians who do not understand primary health care.
76% of all consultations may be bulk-billed in SA, but that is not 76% of the population.
Bulk-billed patients have frequent visits to the GP. Many are under age 18 and do not vote of course.
The number of voters paying Payroll Tax would be around 50% of the population. The Payroll Tax is a tax on healthcare – pure and simple. – Dr Daniel Byrne
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Dumb, hypocritical payroll tax from SA Labor who do not support GPs or their patients.
It contributes to the ramping Labor said they would fix by diverting patients from GPs to hospitals. In a cost of living crisis this needs to be highlighted as we head to an election. – Dr John Christopher Meegan
The doctor’s claim is nonsense. South Australia’s Payroll Tax maxes out at 4.95%. Even if the whole of a visit bill was liable for this tax, a $100 fee would only attract $4.95 in Payroll Tax.
Since about half of that is covered by Medicare and much of the remainder is not associated with payroll I can’t see how the tax could possibly add more than a couple of dollars at most.
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Why do InDaily reporters simply accept these “dumb” claims without challenging them? – Peter Whitehouse
Commenting on InSider: Trev serves up honey humble pie
Regarding the RAA’s Trev, the beard confirms he’s male, which among bees would make him a drone with no stinger and no productive function unless the hive swarms when he may – if he’s very lucky – mate with the virgin queen.
Just sayin’. – Michael Whitrow
I totally agree with the views about the abomination Trev the bee. I have written to RAA with my views and also on social media which are along the same lines as this article.
I can’t believe this advert campaign is worthy of an award. I find it a big ‘turn off’ and do not recall ever feeling such adversity to a promotion before.
I was hoping for the bee to die a natural death but unfortunately this has not happened. I can only hope their next advertising campaign doesn’t include such a poorly researched icon. Bees out and about are female while male bees – drones – stay in the hive. – Wendy Abigail
