Tom Elliott explains why Australia shouldn’t follow Singapore’s COVID-19 policy
Tom Elliott says Australia should not follow Singapore and charge COVID-19 patients who end up in hospital with the virus after refusing to get vaccinated.
Singapore’s Health Ministry has announced the policy will take place as of December 8.
Like Australia, Singapore has a publicly funded universal health care system.
Former NSW Premier and ex-foreign minister Bob Carr has called for Australia to do the same.
But Tom Elliott says it would set a dangerous precedent.
“I understand why people are saying this, but I don’t think we should go down this path,” he said.
“The fact is, for many people who go to hospital, it is essentially self-inflicted.
“People eat too much of the wrong food, they drink too much alcohol, they play dangerous sports, they smoke – all sorts of dangerous things – but hospitals, at least public hospitals, really should treat everybody based on need, not lifestyle.
“If we start making it a trial based on personal responsibility, then not many people would be getting free health care.”
Press PLAY below to hear Tom Elliott’s thoughts