IBNR: When is a levy a levy is a ... ?
Yesterday in Question Time, the Prime Minister answered a Dorothy Dixer from the Member for Moore, Dr Mal Washer, in relation to the Government's medical indemnity IBNR Levy.
During his answer, the Prime Minister said:
"I take this opportunity to say that it is misleading and inaccurate for any member of the medical profession to call this a tax."
AMA Vice-President, Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, said today that doctors are simply calling the Government's IBNR levy what the Medical Indemnity (IBNR Indemnity) Contribution Act 2002 is calling it - a tax!
Dr Haikerwal said the cover page of the Act (see attached) states clearly:
"An Act to impose a tax on certain members and former members of certain medical defence organisations, and for related purposes."
"Doctors are not being misleading or inaccurate when they call the IBNR levy a tax," Dr Haikerwal said.
"The Government legislation to enact the levy calls it a tax.
"It is a tax on patients.
"It is a tax that will make health care more expensive for many Australians."
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
Attached: Cover page of Medical Indemnity (IBNR Indemnity) Contribution Act 2002