Queensland to means test health services

According to a media release issued by Queensland Premier Peter Beattie on 19 October, the Queensland Government will "examine the introduction of means testing and co-payments for non-urgent surgery, the spectacle subsidy scheme, dentistry for adults and specialist outpatient services for non-concession card holders".

Today's edition of the Financial Review notes criticism of this decision by the federal health Minister, Tony Abbott and others.

Public dental patients in Victoria have been required to make co-payments for some years.