#Business Insurance Australia

[arcinsurancebrokers]

The Importance of Public Liability

Public liability Sydney protects individuals and businesses from financial losses resulting from property damage or personal injury. This type of insurance covers a wide range of incidents, including slips and falls.

There is a huge range of businesses that require public liability, from sole trader cleaners to large national companies. Many are required by government contracts to have cover. To know more about Public Liability, visit the Arc Insurance Brokers website or call 0468848642.

Many tradesmen work on site at client locations, which puts them at risk of property damage and personal injury. While not mandatory in Australia, it is wise for tradies to take out public liability insurance to cover their business against the risks of an incident.

It covers any damages your business is liable for caused by your business activities, such as third-party property damage, personal injury and accidental damage to goods. Without public liability, a single incident could bankrupt your business.

The cost of public and product liability will vary between insurers. It will also depend on your occupation and how much of the risk is carried by your business. For example, electricians will pay higher premiums than plumbers due to the more hazardous nature of their jobs. Other factors that will affect the price include your turnover and the number of people in your business. Some insurers may measure these by revenue, while others use staff numbers.

Whether you operate as an independent contractor or work for a company, public liability and workers compensation are important requirements to meet. Failure to have the required insurance policies can result in hefty fines from the NSW government and a loss of reputation.

Subcontractors are usually specialists hired by a principal contractor to carry out a particular task or function on a jobsite. While this is a common practice in many industries, it’s vital that businesses ensure their subcontractors have the right insurance coverage in place before accepting their services.

If damage or injury is caused by a subcontractor, the injured person or business will likely sue everyone involved. This includes the principle contractor, the head contractor and any other subcontractors or employees. This is why it’s vital for subcontractors to have their own public liability policy. They should also request a copy of the policy from any principal contractors they work with to ensure their policy is current.

Australian law deems importers as manufacturers of the goods they bring in, meaning if these imported goods cause injury or damage to someone then you may be held liable. This can be a substantial claim as insurance policies typically cover compensation payable to the injured party, and also your defence costs.

Whether you’re a graphic designer in Burwood or a hair and beauty salon in Thredbo public liability is something every NSW small business should consider. As a professional it’s likely you interact with your clients in many different ways from visiting their workplace to meeting them at their home, work or at third party locations.

All of these scenarios are a potential risk for your business as it’s not always possible to be with your clients and control their actions at all times. That’s why it’s important to be covered with a comprehensive Public Liability policy.

As a small business owner in NSW, you have plenty on your plate. There are marketing campaigns to manage, staff salaries to pay and Zoom calls to make. But don’t underestimate the importance of securing public liability insurance.

Just one claim could be financially crippling and destroy your reputation. That’s why public liability is a must for any business that interacts with customers, clients or the general public.

Whether it’s a child injures themselves at your children’s play centre, or your employee damages customer property at their workplace, public liability covers compensation claims and reasonable legal fees incurred to defend the claim. It also includes a range of other expenses, like cleaning costs and repairs to third party property. This type of cover is not mandatory, but many organisations you work with may ask that you carry a certain level of public liability cover. If you’re unsure about what cover you need, talk to a licenced insurance broker or business adviser. To know more about Public Liability, visit the Arc Insurance Brokers website or call 0468848642.

[integrityinsurance22]

Which Is Better: Mortgage Broker Or Banks & Their Pros And Cons

Most people get home loans when buying a home, and for this, they either hire a finance broker or consult directly with the bank or lender. When buying a home, there are multiple things you need to look after, such as finding the lender, comparing costs, and additional expenses. These additional costs include stamp duty, council fees, mortgage registration fees and home insurance, for which you can hire the best insurance broker in Brisbane

[fundrraustralia]

Business & Personal Loans | Mortgage Broker - Fundrr Australia

Welcome to Fundrr, your trusted partner for all your vehicle and personal loan needs.

Fundrr Australia

At Fundrr, we understand that life's journey often requires financial support, whether you're looking to hit the open road in your dream car or need some extra funds for those important personal milestones. That's why we're here to make your dreams a reality.

Fundrr Australia offers a wide range of financial solutions, including consumer car loans, commercial car loans, personal loans, refinancing options, insurance, and more.

At Fundrr, we understand that life's journey often requires financial support, whether you're looking to hit the open road in your dream car or need some extra funds for those important personal milestones. That's why we're here to make your dreams a reality.

Our mission is simple: to provide you with hassle-free access to affordable and flexible financing solutions tailored to your unique needs. With years of experience in the industry, our team of experts is dedicated to helping you navigate the complex world of loans and financing, ensuring you make informed decisions that align with your financial goals.

Services:

Consumer Car Loan, Personal Loan, Commercial Car Loan, Refinancing Services, Insurance Services, Financing Solutions, Mortgage Broker

[sureinsureinsuranceadvisor]

Discover how Insurance for Tradesmen and Business Contents Insurance can unlock business success with optimal coverage minimal cost Read our detailed guide now.

[arcuriinsurance]

Maximising Protection: Benefits of a Business Insurance Broker

In the unpredictable world of business, safeguarding your company against potential risks is paramount. One of the most effective ways to ensure comprehensive protection is by enlisting the expertise of a business insurance broker.

These professionals serve as invaluable partners, guiding you through the complex landscape of insurance options and helping you secure the coverage best suited to your unique needs. 

The Role of a Business Insurance Broker

Before delving into the benefits of working with a Business Insurance Broker Melbourne, let's first clarify what they do. Essentially, these professionals act as intermediaries between businesses and insurance providers.

They possess in-depth knowledge of various insurance products and can navigate the intricacies of policy terms and conditions with ease. By leveraging their expertise, you gain access to a tailored insurance solution that aligns perfectly with your business objectives. 

Tailored Solutions for Every Business

One of the standout advantages of partnering with a business insurance broker is the personalised approach they offer. Unlike off-the-shelf insurance packages, which may not fully address your specific requirements, brokers take the time to understand the nuances of your business.

Whether you operate a small startup or a large corporation, they can tailor a solution that provides optimal coverage without unnecessary expenses. 

Access to a Wide Range of Policies

Navigating the multitude of insurance options available can be overwhelming for business owners. However, with a business insurance broker by your side, you gain access to a vast array of policies from multiple providers. This ensures that you have ample choices and can select the most suitable coverage for your company.

From general liability and property insurance to cyber liability and professional indemnity, brokers can source policies that comprehensively protect your business from various risks.

Expert Guidance Every Step of the Way

Choosing the right insurance coverage involves more than just comparing premiums and deductibles. Policy exclusions, coverage limits, and claim processes are equally important factors to consider. Here's where the expertise of a business insurance broker Melbourne truly shines.

They provide invaluable guidance throughout the entire insurance lifecycle, from initial consultation and policy selection to claims assistance and renewal reviews. With their support, you can make informed decisions and navigate potential pitfalls with confidence. 

Cost-Effective Solutions

Contrary to popular belief, enlisting the services of a business insurance broker doesn't necessarily translate to higher costs. In fact, brokers can often negotiate competitive premiums on your behalf by leveraging their industry relationships and market knowledge.

Additionally, they can identify areas where you may be overinsured or underinsured, helping you strike the right balance between comprehensive coverage and affordability. 

Peace of Mind for Business Owners

Ultimately, the primary goal of any insurance policy is to provide peace of mind, allowing you to focus on growing your business without constantly worrying about unforeseen risks. By partnering with a business insurance broker, you can rest assured knowing that your company is adequately protected against potential liabilities.

Whether it's mitigating the financial impact of a lawsuit or recovering from property damage, having the right insurance coverage in place can mean the difference between business continuity and closure. 

Conclusion

The benefits of working with a business insurance broker Melbourne are undeniable. From tailored solutions and access to a wide range of policies to expert guidance and cost-effective solutions, these professionals play a crucial role in maximising protection for businesses of all sizes.

If you haven't already, find a reliable business insurance broker, visit their Website, and safeguard the future of your company. 

Source: Maximising Protection: Benefits of a Business Insurance Broker

[naukrisambad]

A Complete Guide to Individual Health Insurance In 2024

Individual health insurance plays a vital role in providing financial protection and access to healthcare services for individuals and families. Whether you’re self-employed, not covered by an employer’s plan, or seeking additional coverage, understanding individual health insurance is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore the key aspects of individual health insurance, including its…

[2menandvan]

Your Valuables Deserve Protection! Our Removals Insurance in Brisbane Ensures Peace of Mind During Your Move. Safeguard Your Belongings with Our Trusted Coverage. Move Confidently, We've Got You Covered! 📦🔒

[selectlaverne]

At selectinsure, we strive to provide excellent customer service and make the claims process as easy and stress-free as possible. We have a team of experienced professionals ready to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Protect your vehicle and yourself with selectinsure Personal Motor Vehicle insurance.

[campbelltransport2023]

David Campbell Transport

David Campbell Transport is a family owned haulage company with the experience and expertise to plan, load and deliver your freight on time and in full, no matter how large or small. Established in 1997, David Campbell Transport continues to build upon its reputation as a leading and growing regional road freight company. Together management and drivers have formed an experienced and reliable team both in customer service and providing solutions to any freight transportation requirements. David Campbell Transport will continue to evolve with the changing needs of our current and future client’s demands.

[mayakern]

upcoming store stuff & why we're doing a super sale

omg hiiii it's devin again, and this time i'm bringing store news

the short version: we're moving ourselves back to minnesota, and we're moving order fulfillment to a fulfillment center

wow, that's big news! maya and i are so so so excited to be closer to our minnesota friends (and also my family lol). i'm hoping to be back in northeast minneapolis, but let's be real we're probably gonna get priced out and into the suburbs

in addition to that, due to a variety of reasons i'll explain in more detail below, we're transitioning from in-house fulfillment to working with a fulfillment center (or 3pl, short for third-party logistics). we're at an awkward size that makes staffing difficult and have had issues with extended processing time. the 3pl should be set up by september, and we're working on the back end to have fulfillment centers in australia, canada, the UK, and eventually the EU. if tax authorities work with us we should have all that ready by december 2024!

to prepare for that we're doing a super sale. ash told me not to call it liquidation but she said that like 30 seconds after i hit send on the marketing email, sorry about that. items that we don't want to pay to move to the 3pl are discounted by 25-70%, with some of them priced at cost. under no circumstances will anything ever be 70% off again

if you're nosy you can read the q&a i made up in my head while eating pigs in a blanket:

how are the labor protections at the 3pl?

pretty good! we were shocked to find anything even halfway decent in the US; we went looking for a fulfillment center in the EU to handle all international fulfillment, and the one we found just so happened to have bought a US location two years ago.

they're located in ohio, pay $19/hr, and provide health insurance and 401k matching. that seemed too good to be true so we dug through employee reviews on places like glassdoor, and while there were some bad reviews those were all dated prior to when the facility was purchased by this new company. they also have a very low turnover rate which is a HUGE green flag

why are you transferring to a 3pl?

the serious

sometimes we have a high volume of sales, and it makes sense to have two full-time employees plus a part timer! but usually we have a low-to-medium volume of sales. we can float by on that, but it gets risky, and the economy is in a bad enough state that we're concerned about the longevity

related, the 2023 holiday sale showed us some major flaws in our fulfillment process. if the same issues were to happen this year the business probably wouldn't survive

we're moving cross-country in early 2025 and would've had to close this location anyway

the dumb:

i'm sick of dealing with commercial landlords and if i have one more wall leak i'm going to throw it into the river brick by brick

what about your staff?

unfortunately we will have to say goodbye to our office staff. they have been given 3.5 months notice and no-questions-asked PTO for interviews with a small severance

why are you moving back to minnesota?

troy was always meant to be a temporary move. initially the plan was to move to vermont or massachusetts, but after being out here for 7 years we just kinda want to go home. the weather in troy is perfect for us, we love the mountains, and we have some great friends here, but for some goddamn reason we want our eyelashes to freeze together.

will you be returning to midwest cons?

if we return to cons at all it will be with ariel and/or ash running the booth, maya will not be involved. this would likely be in california and/or in the northeast US.

my friends are begging me to go to CONvergence as an attendee so ig you might see me there? maya has pledged death before crowded venues tho

will you do any local events in minnesota?

we might do sample sales. honestly idk what we're gonna do with the samples we have in troy, most of them are terrible. do you want samples of the strangest low rise bell bottom pants ever created? please take them from me. my bush hangs out

also my kid brother has gotten really into library events and if he asks nice enough we might do some of those

is there anything else?

i mean probably, but i started this last week and i haven't had any other ideas on what to include

[arcinsurancebrokers]

The Importance of Public Liability

If you have been injured in a public place such as a supermarket or office building, you may be able to make a public liability claim. Compensation payouts typically include pain and suffering.

Having public liability Sydney can protect a wide range of businesses from the costs associated with a compensation claim. Insurance brokers can help you find the right cover for your business needs. 

As a business owner, public liability insurance provides peace of mind in case a customer or event attendee claims that your negligence has resulted in them suffering a loss. Policies typically have limits of $10 million or $20 million, which will cover the cost of compensation as well as legal costs incurred in defence of such a claim.

As an added bonus, most policies will also include pain and suffering coverage. This is a lump sum that’s paid out in the event of injury and covers the impact on your quality of life. If the injuries are significant, they may also include a lump sum for permanent impairment.

It’s little wonder that the Australian government strongly recommends most businesses hold public liability. After all, the consequences of a minor oversight – like a customer tripping over a drain cover in your car park – can easily escalate into a multi-million-dollar settlement. The same goes for damage caused by your products or services.

Anyone who interacts with clients face-to-face, either in their own premises or out and about, should consider public liability insurance. This includes tradesmen, who will usually be required to have public liability before they can work on certain projects - and many cleaners as well. In addition, many businesses that import products into Australia need to include products liability coverage in their public liability policy.

Whether you are an IT contractor in Burwood or a dog groomer in Thredbo, business owners have a lot on their plate – never-ending to-do lists, marketing campaigns, staff to pay and Zoom calls to make. However, it is important to find time to review the insurance coverage you have in place, particularly your public liability. It could be the difference between a successful claim and an expensive legal battle. You can read more about insurance packages, including the inclusions, exclusions and claim process, here. You can also compare business insurance policies online or by calling a friendly Australian-based customer service team.

Businesses that interact with customers and members of the public in person should consider taking out public liability insurance. This can include tradespeople who visit their clients' premises, or any business that has an office, showroom or shop. This insurance can help to cover compensation for injury or damage to a customer's property caused by the activities of the business. It may also cover legal costs and defence expenses.

Depending on the nature of the injury, a public liability claim payout can be quite substantial. This includes compensation for pain and suffering (also known as general damages) which is paid as a lump sum based on the extent of the injuries. It can also include compensation for future losses if the injuries result in permanent impairment.

A reputable insurance broker can provide detailed information about the coverage available under public liability. They can also offer a variety of options such as yearly or monthly payments and tailored coverage for different types of businesses.

The coverage available under public liability Sydney can include a range of things such as medical expenses, compensation for the injury or death of third parties and damage to their property. It also covers the legal costs incurred in defending a liability claim. This is important for any business that may come into contact with members of the public, whether it is selling goods or services to them.

Whether you’re an IT wizard from Burwood, a dog groomer in the Blue Mountains or a cafe owner in Thredbo, you can benefit from having a public liability policy. This is because a claim could be financially devastating for a small business without adequate cover.

The amount of cover required can vary between businesses, and it is usually based on the type of work you do. For example, some tradesmen require public liability insurance before they can go to certain sites, and cleaners will need it to be let into offices.

[businessinsur01]

5 Things You Need to Know About Home and Contents Insurance in Australia

Introduction:

Your home is more than just a place to live; it’s a sanctuary where cherished memories are made and treasured belongings are kept. However, unforeseen events such as natural disasters, theft, or accidents can pose a threat to the safety and security of your home and its contents. That’s where Home and Contents Insurance from Business Insurance Consulting comes to your rescue. With our comprehensive insurance coverage, you can safeguard your home, its valuable contents, and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you are protected against unexpected losses. Let’s explore the benefits and importance of having Home and Contents Insurance.

Protect Your Home:

Your home is one of the most significant investments you’ll make in your lifetime. Home Insurance from Business Insurance Consulting provides coverage for the structure of your home, protecting it against damage caused by fire, storm, flood, or other covered events. Whether it’s repairing a damaged roof or rebuilding your entire home, our insurance policy ensures that you are financially secure in the face of such unfortunate circumstances.

2. Safeguard Your Belongings:

Your personal belongings hold sentimental value and are essential for your daily life. Contents Insurance from Business Insurance Consulting offers coverage for your valuable possessions, including furniture, appliances, electronics, jewelry, and more. In the event of theft, accidental damage, or loss, our insurance policy provides financial assistance to repair or replace your belongings, helping you get back on your feet quickly.

3. Financial Protection:

Unexpected events can lead to significant financial burdens. Home and Contents Insurance from Business Insurance Consulting acts as a safety net, protecting you from bearing the full cost of repairing or replacing your home and belongings. By paying a relatively small premium, you can mitigate the financial impact of unforeseen circumstances and avoid potential financial strain.

4. Additional Coverage Options:

Business Insurance Consulting understands that every homeowner’s needs are unique. That’s why we offer additional coverage options to tailor your Home and Contents Insurance to your specific requirements. You can opt for extras such as accidental damage cover, personal valuables cover, or even cover for home office equipment, ensuring that your policy meets your individual needs.

5. Expert Guidance and Support:

Navigating the world of insurance can be overwhelming. Business Insurance Consulting provides you with the expertise and support you need to make informed decisions. Our dedicated team of insurance professionals will guide you through the insurance process, help you assess your risks, and recommend the most suitable coverage options for your home and belongings.

Conclusion:

Protecting your home and belongings is not just a smart decision; it’s a vital step towards ensuring your peace of mind. With Home and Contents Insurance from Business Insurance Consulting, you can safeguard your investment, secure your valuables, and mitigate the financial risks associated with unexpected events. Don’t leave the safety and security of your home and belongings to chance. Take the proactive step of securing comprehensive insurance coverage and enjoy the confidence that comes with knowing you are protected. Contact Business Insurance Consulting today to explore our Home and Contents Insurance options and start protecting what matters most to you.

[sgiandubh]

Offer and demand

For comparison purposes, kindly find below what a devoted Ozzie fan will have to be prepared to pay for a pic with one or several of the participants to the Hublander Australia 'A Visit to The Highlands' event, this week-end, in Sydney and Melbourne:

On top of that, there is an extra option I have never seen for European events (and correct me if I am wrong). You can buy signed personal items and autographed pics for somebody who cannot attend (personal items cost a little extra, no idea why). Here is an example, for S:

Just to have an idea, remember (I will always LOL at this word, from now on, and that's really a shame, because I use it a LOT, irl) these are the prices in Australian dollars. A pic with S would cost you around 115 euros or 125 USD and the most expensive group pic would lighten your purse by around 360 USD or 333 euros.

All this, like for the Paris Landcon, are on top of what you pay for access and the rest of the side gigs, depending of your tier of choice. Those can set you anywhere from 200 Australian dollars for the standard entry ticket to 1800 Australian dollars for the Platinum Tier, where I hope S will pour you a dram or something - nope, not really, that was really a cheap joke, forget about it. You do the math, it's easy.

If you take the time to compare with the Paris Landcon, the discrepancies are clear. The Australian Lollapalooza easily costs the double. But before you screech and wail, do remember two things:

Prices in Australia and France are not really the same. Same goes for the disposable wages of the people buying these tickets. Same goes for the logistical costs (venue rent, talent accommodation and fee, insurance - very important!, other administrative expenditures like legal costs: never forget these people also sell licensed merchandise, which comes at an extra cost itself, etc).

Also, event organization is a business in itself. There is a market and a pool of potential clients for this type of business. Demand and offer meet (or should do so) on that market and the result of this encounter of sorts should reasonably reflect what the people are willing to pay for whatever you peddle around, from bagels to Scottish fantasies. Too expensive - nobody will come. Too cheap - the talent you hope to attract would, in all likelihood, not show up, especially if it takes 10 to 20 hours of flight to get there.

Now add to this the need to satisfy just about everyone in the room. The simple need to make sure that the person who paid 200 dollars for the basic ticket would not feel left behind those who paid nine times (yes, nine times, for Australia, land of plenty) more. That is not an easy task and those figures you have seen are not what you may think they do represent, on face value.

Last, but not least, a wee secret: the bulk of the talent's fee comes from those autographed pics you bought extra, the Q&A sessions and the Platinum Meet and Greets - isn't that a strange form of Marxist distribution circuit (but I digress, forgive the scholar). The rest is probably going to cover operational costs.

Nobody robbed you. Nobody forced you or hypnotized you. You will meet the real people, not some denizen of Abuja who pretends he is Mr. Blue Eyes. And S will not get richer after Melbourne, only more tired.

You're welcome.

PS: merci à toi; chérie, pour l'info and also a heartfelt thank you to you, New Friend on the Block. You know who you are! 😘😘😘😘❤️❤️❤️

[Edit]: @joey-baby tells me the Oz fans can buy the recording of both days. That is a local exclusive and I surely hope we'd see some of it in here. Thank you! 🙌

[dailyanarchistposts]

Author: Collective Action Topics: austerity, australia, health care

The Abbott government is busy laying the groundwork for a massive attack on the conditions of the working class in April’s federal budget. In charge of preparing the ground is Abbott’s hand-picked Commission of Audit. In the line of fire: Medicare and your right to access a GP. The plan: Rob $750 million from Australia’s poorest whilst giving $5.9 billion dollars to private health insurers.

The Commission of Audit

The Commission of Audit is an assortment of business lobbyists and Liberal party mates. The Commission is headed by Tony Sheppard, president of the Business Council of Australia (BCA) and (until October) chairman of Transfield services. As head of the BCA he argues for lower taxes, abolition of the fair work act, and various attacks on the social wage. As chairman of Transfield Services, he profited from mining, coal, and up to $180 million in government contracts for the operation of refugee prisons in Nauru.

Commission member Peter Boxall is a former Chief of Staff to Peter Costello, who spent time working for the IMF during the “structural adjustments” of the 1980s, and played a key role in implementing John Howard’s “Work Choices”.

Amanda Vanstone joins this disreputable bunch bringing her experience as a Howard government minister responsible for attacks on the unemployed, students, and pensioners, the abolition of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ending any semblance of self-determination, as flawed as that body was) and of course, the imprisonment of many thousands of refugees.

What’s in a co-payment?

The first shot across the bow aimed in the new attack on Medicare was fired by former Abbott advisor Terry Barnes of the Australian Council of Health Research (ACHR). The ACHR is a “think tank” funded by Australian Unity, a health insurer with a lot to gain from any attack on Medicare. Barnes published a paper to coincide with the election of the Abbott government which called for the private health insurers dream – compulsory upfront fees for Australians utilising Medicare.

Barnes wants a six dollar Medicare “co-payment”. His argument is that poor Australians go to the GP too often, and that an additional six dollar upfront fee would send a “price signal” that would harmlessly discourage over use of GPs. Barnes claims that his proposal would save the Medicare budget $750 million over four years.

But a six dollar GP tax is not the only health co-payment that Australians are already slugged with. Australians already pay “out of pocket” for a raft of health care services. There is no dental care coverage under Medicare leaving most Australians unable to see a dentist unless they can pay upfront. There a significant “gaps” between the cost of services and what is covered by Medicare, and access to medical specialists routinely involves significant upfront expense for Australians on Medicare.

The effect of all of this is frightening. Co-payments fund 17% of health care in Australia. One in six dollars of health care expenditure in Australia is not covered by any insurance, public or private, and is instead forked out directly by those who can afford it least. In the United States, so often denounced for its backward and regressive healthcare system, co-payments only account for 13% of health expenditure.

And the Liberal government is gearing up to whack another six dollar charge on top of this. Far from sending a harmless “price signal”, a six dollar co-payment is a brutal measure that would reduce access to GPs by those who need them most, and already use them least.

Under Utilisation

The idea that Australia’s poorest over use GP services is both obnoxious and untrue. Terry Barnes is on the record as saying that a six dollar upfront payment would not stop anyone who is truly sick from attending a GP, as this only represents the price of “two cups of coffee”. Anyone who thinks six dollars is nothing has never attempted to live on the minimum wage, let alone the dole, family payments or a pension, in Australia.

Australian workers already make choices between rent, food and health care on a weekly basis. Cost already dissuades Australia’s poorest from accessing medical services when they need it.

Current research on working class Australian’s use of health care already shows that “poorer people are already under-utilising healthcare, and their rate of under-utilisation corresponds to their level of illness”. Mapping health care use against average income in Australia already shows that people living in Australia’s poorest neighbourhoods are “three times more likely to delay medical consultations than those living in the wealthiest suburbs”.

The highest use of GP services in Australia, and the highest concentrations of GPs, are not where people are poorest, or where people are sickest (which coincidentally is where people are poorest), but rather where people are wealthiest. The richest use GP services the most, there are more GPs in wealthier suburbs, and Australia’s wealthiest are less likely to fall ill and die young.

Being poor and working class, attempting to live on a shitty wage or poverty level pension, is a major health hazard in Australia. The wealthiest 20% of Australians live an average six years longer than those of us surviving in the ranks of the poorest 20%.

Health Cash for big business

We’re told that Medicare costs too much. A six dollar copayment, effectively a tax levied disproportionately on Australia’s poorest and sickest, might save the health budget $750 million over four years. But there is one area of health spending bloat that the Abbott government will never touch. This year alone the government will spend $5.4 billion subsidising private health insurance.

The private health insurance rebate is an enormous transfer of wealth from tax payers to private, profit oriented health insurers, such as the one funding Terry Barnes’ sick attack on what remains of universal healthcare in Australia.

The private health insurance rebate was meant to make private health insurance more affordable by keeping premiums low. Introduced in 1999, this massive payment to health insurers has occurred at the same time that average health insurance premiums have risen 130%. Average prices (inflation) in the same period have only risen 50%.

The justification for this massive rort was that subsidising private health insurance would save money in the long run by reducing costs to Medicare. The most recent analysis shows that this $5.4 billion subsidy does little to shift costs from Medicare, and its abolition would save the government at least $3 billion a year.

Conclusions

The class self-interest of the government’s health policy is blatant: Tax the poor, throw money at the rich. The so-called Commission of Audit is stacked with the same big business cronies and Liberal mates who have always attacked the conditions of working class Australians, and now they are coming for what remains of Australia’s public health system. If the health budget is unsustainable, and the poorest really do have to be slugged with an additional six dollar GP tax, it is only because the government continues to throw bucket loads of money at private health insurers. The truth is that private health insurers want Medicare dismantled, so that more Australians are forced into their health insurance rackets, paying ever greater premiums for a diminishing health service.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

This day in history

THIS WEEKEND (June 7–9), I'm in AMHERST, NEW YORK to keynote the 25th Annual Media Ecology Association Convention and accept the Neil Postman Award for Career Achievement in Public Intellectual Activity.

#20yrsago Public Enemy’s history of copyright in hip hop https://web.archive.org/web/20040603153903/http://www.stayfreemagazine.org/archives/20/public_enemy.html

#20yrsago TheyWorkForYou: finest advocacy web-app in the world https://web.archive.org/web/20040701081005/http://www.theyworkforyou.com/

#15yrsago Health insurers invest billions in tobacco stocks https://web.archive.org/web/20090606102236/https://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/60-second-science/post.cfm?id=health-insurers-want-you-to-keep-sm-2009-06-03

#15yrsago Bullshit about newspapers’ future, dissected https://xark.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/06/the-newspaper-suicide-pact.html

#15yrsago Bad Science versus the piracy scare story https://www.badscience.net/2009/06/home-taping-didnt-kill-music/

#10yrsago Why I’m sending 200 copies of Little Brother to a high-school in Pensacola, FL https://memex.craphound.com/2014/06/06/why-im-sending-200-copies-of-little-brother-to-a-high-school-in-pensacola-fl/

#10yrsago Long-term weight loss considered nearly impossible https://memex.craphound.com/2014/06/06/long-term-weight-loss-considered-nearly-impossible/

#10yrsago Handbook to figure out what’s in the public domain https://web.archive.org/web/20140612000434/https://www.law.berkeley.edu/17178.htm

#5yrsago People who document evidence of violent extremism are being shut down in Youtube’s crackdown on violent extremism https://memex.craphound.com/2019/06/06/people-who-document-evidence-of-violent-extremism-are-being-shut-down-in-youtubes-crackdown-on-violent-extremism/

#5yrsago Australia’s raids on journalists signal an authoritarian turning point https://theconversation.com/why-the-raids-on-australian-media-present-a-clear-threat-to-democracy-118334

#5yrsago A mysterious nonprofit made millions suing companies to put California cancer warnings on coffee https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/06/the-secretive-nonprofit-that-made-millions-suing-companies-over-cancer-warnings/

#1yrago A business model for bankrupting the oil companies https://pluralistic.net/2023/06/06/thats-where-the-money-is/#champerty