Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor says the conversation has only just started on how Australia should make ends meet and repay its debt.

Speaking at seniors forums in the electorate this week, Mr Taylor called on local communities to join the debate.

“It would be politically opportunistic to say ‘No, let’s keep on spending’. The Government is not going to do that. The debate we’re not going to compromise on is the need to make ends meet. It is important that it is a wide ranging debate.

“In regard to working through until age 70, this is a long way off. This does not come into effect until 2035. We recognise there will be some who cannot physically do this and we will have support systems in place.

“In relation to a GP copayment, our current universal health system is not sustainable. One way or the other we’re going to have to do more with less. With a GP copayment there will be very important safety nets. If you’re a concession card holder you won’t pay more than $70 for your total GP visits in a year. GPs will retain the ability to choose to bulk bill and there will continue to be the Medicare Safety Net. The last thing we want to do is deter people from good healthcare.

“In my opinion, the debate over whether we’re in a budget emergency or crisis is largely a waste of time. What’s very clear is that Australia is not making ends meet. We are adding to our private debt, largely debt on credit cards, at a very rapid rate.

“The conversation on how to pay back that debt is ongoing and only just underway. In this series of forums across Hume, I am welcoming all feedback and suggestions. I will be taking it back to the Party Room when parliament resumes.”

Caption: Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor inviting communities across Hume to join the discussion on best ways for Australia to start making ends meet.