The Phlebotomists and Pathology Workers of Australia thank you for your continued support of a sector wide pay increase for all Private Pathology Employees. 

With the shock immediate change of CEO's at Healius, the concerns for Private Companies profiting from Commonwealth Funds has hit the headlines once again. https://www.afr.com/companies/healthcare-and-fitness/healius-ceo-exits-as-strategic-review-speeds-up-20240305-p5f9wg

The PCA has written to Minister Mark Butler and shared our concerns for the way that this campaign is being communicated to the public, stating that they are gaining support "to keep Pathology Bulk Billed"... The concern is that the Federal Government has NO PLANS to stop any Bulk Billing of Pathology Testing. 

We ask that you share our Petition so that the employees of Private Pathology know that the Australian Public appreciates everything they do for their patients, regardless how undervalued they are by their own employer. 

This is a copy of the correspondence sent to Minister Butler 

Subject: Support for Industry Position on Medicare Funding in Response to Australian Pathology's Campaign

Dear Minister Butler,

I trust this email finds you in good health. I am writing to address our concerns and clarify our position regarding the national campaign recently launched by Australian Pathology, titled "Keep Pathology Bulk Billed".

Australian Pathology, representing the three largest private pathology companies – Healius, Sonic, and Australian Clinical Labs – is advocating for an increase in Medicare funding. While the campaign slogan suggests a focus on maintaining bulk billing, the actual request to the Federal Government is to reintroduce Medicare Indexation for Pathology Services. This has led to confusion among the Australian public and private pathology stakeholders regarding the true nature of the campaign's objectives. Disturbing reports have surfaced indicating that patients have been denied access to blood tests unless they sign the petition, with pathology staff allegedly informing them that bulk billing for pathology tests will cease unless they support the campaign. To address this misinformation, the Phlebotomists Council of Australia (PCA) has undertaken educational efforts to clarify the concept of indexation and dispel any misunderstandings among our members. We have attached the materials provided by Australian Pathology to their staff, which lack comprehensive information on the campaign's implications.

We are committed to advocating for stricter eligibility criteria for Medicare funding and will continue to submit formal submissions to the Health and Safety Commission for Healthcare's review of NPAAC Accreditation, following thorough consultation with industry stakeholders. It's important to note that this review will take two years, necessitating a comprehensive approach to addressing industry concerns.

The recent pandemic resulted in unprecedented profits for private pathology, particularly for shareholders of ASX-listed company Healius. However, since the cessation of inflated COVID Medicare rebates, these companies have resorted to cost-cutting measures, leading to service disruptions and staff layoffs. This instability was exacerbated by the sudden resignation of Healius’s CEO, Maxine Jacquet, further undermining staff morale and raising concerns about the industry's future direction. It's crucial to remember that private pathology was the only sector to profit from the pandemic, primarily due to government-mandated testing and inflated Medicare rebates. However, these profits are unsustainable without mandated testing, posing significant challenges for these companies being able to meet the public shareholder’s demands.

In light of these developments, the PCA has initiated a counter campaign titled "Nine Percent to Pay the Rent!" We are advocating for a sector-wide wage increase of 9% before further Medicare funds are allocated to companies that fail to meet minimum employment standards, safety regulations, and industry accreditation requirements. Our campaign aims to ensure fair compensation for pathology workers and promote investments in innovation to uphold Australia's position as a leader in healthcare services.

In conclusion, the PCA does not endorse Australian Pathology's campaign, as it fails to address the fundamental issues plaguing the sector, including fair wages and investment in innovation. We urge the government to consider our recommendations and prioritise sustainable solutions that benefit all stakeholders in the pathology industry.

Thank you for considering our perspective on this matter. We look forward to your continued support and engagement as we strive to improve conditions for pathology workers and enhance healthcare services in Australia.

Kind Regards, 

Bec Luxton,

Founder and CEO 

Phlebotomists Council of Australia