Speaking of wasting Government money

[*crikey*mate*]

I just collected a package from the post office from the Australian Government (that's what it said on the envelope) It was addressed to my OH - it had all this informational stuff in it about bowel cancer.

Yeah, yeah, keeping people informed etc - but the postage alone must have been $3 plus the cost of whatever was in the package (it was A4 and chockers and I reckon must have only made the 20mm thick rule by a cat's whisker) and the wage of the person who had to correlate it all and pack it.

But it was specifically addressed to him, so there is a system somewhere deciding who gets these packages.

My OH has no history of cancer, so why they picked him out I have no idea.

Wonder how many other people got these and how much this drained the coffers.

Sure, keep people informed etc, but I reckon I could think of a few less expensive ways to do it.

[lakeland27]

tell us how you'd do it , with full costings 😛

[flashie*]

All people who have recently turned 50 are getting this mail Sheepie.

[freddie*rooster]

Tell me what the difference is in women over 50ty receiving free breast screaning, and all Australians over 50ty receiving a free reminder and screening for the silent killer bowel cancer?

[polksaladallie]

There are 12 deaths each day from bowel cancer.  If it is a kit, the test is free, and might save his life.

[not_an_eloi]

no family history don't mean that he can't get it.

do 'ope he's got the sense to get a check-up

[**meep**]

Who is currently being invited to take part in the program?

Australians turning 50, 55, 60 or 65 years of age, who hold a Medicare card or DVA card, are currently being invited to take part in the program.

How are people identified as eligible to be invited to participate in the program?

The names and addresses of people turning 50, 55, 60 or 65 years of age have been obtained from Medicare enrolment records or Department of Veterans' Affairs enrolment records.

When will invitations be sent to participate in the program?

If a person is eligible, a pre-invitation letter followed by an invitation package, including an FOBT kit, will be sent by mail. While you will be invited as close as possible to your birthday, you may receive your invitation up to six months after your birthday.

http://www.cancerscreening.gov.au/internet/screening/publishing.nsf/Content/bowel-about

[j*oono]

Yes, I got one when I turned 50.  It's a free screening kit.

[just_me_karen]

I would've thought the average university student ... no, correct that... The average everyday person, would understand the basic economics of prevention being cheaper than cure. 

[polksaladallie]

Everyone gets a kit when they are 50, regardless of income.