Australians with disabilities suffered the largest cuts in the budget, yet conservative media focuses on tax concerns for the wealthy. Greg Jericho critiques the distorted priorities, highlighting the neglect of dental care inequality and the impact of NDIS reductions on people with Down syndrome.
Dental Care Disparities
Jericho recounts losing a filling and paying $237 after private health insurance, noting that many Australians cannot afford such costs. According to ABS data, 14% of Australians avoid the dentist entirely due to cost, compared to just 1% for GPs. Nearly two-thirds delay dental care because of expenses, while only 29% delay GP visits for the same reason. The Parliamentary Budget Office estimates adding dental to Medicare would cost $13.6 billion this year, yet the government has not acted, and opposition parties show no interest.
NDIS Cuts and Down Syndrome
The budget's largest cut was an 11% real reduction to the NDIS. Jericho points out that people with Down syndrome are among the most affected, but the opposition instead highlights testamentary discretionary trusts as a key issue. A misleading article claimed families of disabled children must overhaul finances due to tax reforms, but special disability trusts were exempted. Jericho, as a father of a child with Down syndrome, expresses concern over service cuts that improve her life.
Conservative Media Focus
Conservative outlets have focused on young people affected by negative gearing or trust changes, ignoring that more young people can now claim $1,000 in work expenses due to budget changes. Jericho argues that the budget starkly contrasts cuts to disability services with minor tax adjustments for the wealthy, questioning societal priorities.
Conclusion
Jericho calls attention to the gross inequality in Australia, where disability funding reaches $100 billion but is criticized, while dental care remains unaffordable for many. He urges a reevaluation of what society deems important.
