Bridget McKenzie Vows ‘Zero’ Medicare Clinic Closures, Rejects Claims of Cuts to Fund Nuclear Plan
Coalition frontbencher Bridget McKenzie has firmly denied claims that her party would cut Medicare Urgent Care Clinics if elected, declaring that “zero” clinics would be closed under a Coalition government. The strong rebuttal came during a fiery interview on Sky News, in response to accusations from Employment Minister Murray Watt.
Minister Watt earlier warned that the Coalition would be forced to slash Medicare spending, including urgent care clinics, to fund its proposed plan for seven nuclear power stations.
“He has to find the money to pay for his $600 billion in nuclear reactors,” Watt said. “He’s got no choice but to cut Medicare, to cut the urgent care clinics.”
McKenzie hit back, accusing Watt of deliberately misleading the public.
“He’s lying to the camera, to your face and your viewers’ faces this morning,” she said.
When asked by Sky News host Andrew Clennell how many clinics would be shut down under a Coalition government, McKenzie looked directly into the camera and stated: “Zero.”
Coalition Under Pressure Over Nuclear Costings
Despite the bold pledge, McKenzie was unable to provide a clear answer when pressed on the total cost of the Coalition’s nuclear energy plan. While the party has previously estimated the figure at $120 billion, Labor maintains the real cost could be closer to $600 billion.
McKenzie insisted the Coalition’s plan is more affordable than Labor’s renewable-only strategy.
“We know that our plan is $263 billion cheaper than Labor’s all-renewables approach — 44 per cent cheaper,” she said. “It’s been modelled by Frontier Economics, who the Labor Party themselves have used.”
Dutton Defends Nuclear Policy Amid Cost Scrutiny
Speaking from the Sydney Royal Easter Show on Saturday, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also faced questions over the Coalition’s nuclear policy — particularly the fact he has yet to visit a nuclear plant as part of the campaign.
“We will provide the program in time,” Dutton said. “I think a lot of Australians can see through Labor’s scare campaign. We’re happy to talk about the policy because it is right for our country.”
