Medicare

Ware acknowledged the value of free Medicare urgent care clinics but noted none existed in her electorate of Hughes. Ware called on the government to commit to establishing a clinic in south-west Sydney before the election. Ware highlighted the lack of women's health infrastructure in the region, noting the nearest pelvic pain clinic was hundreds of kilometres away in Mittagong. Ware stated the coalition would match the government's $573 million women's health funding and enhance menopause care through new Medicare rebates and clinical guidelines.

Swanson discussed the government's recent announcement of over $500 million for women's health, particularly regarding menopause support. Swanson emphasised that health care was the primary concern for constituents in Paterson and highlighted the success of urgent care clinics in reducing pressure on hospitals. Swanson reported that bulk-billing in Paterson had increased by three per cent, allowing nearly 70,000 more people to access bulk-billed services. Swanson launched a petition for an urgent care clinic in Maitland to support the local hospital.

Laxale detailed the government's $6.1 billion investment in Medicare, including tripling the bulk-billing incentive, which resulted in six million additional free GP visits nationwide. Laxale noted that Australians had saved over $1 billion on prescriptions, with PBS medicine costs limited to $31.60 and $7.70 for pensioners. Laxale praised the Top Ryde Medicare Urgent Care Clinic for providing free, extended-hours care and reducing emergency department pressure. Laxale called for a new clinic in Lane Cove and Chatswood and criticised the opposition for refusing to commit to maintaining existing clinics.

Wallace disputed the government's claims of strengthening Medicare, stating bulk-billing rates had dropped from 88 per cent to 77 per cent. Wallace criticised the government for being 18 months late in establishing a headspace centre in Caloundra. Wallace argued that the treatment of mental health issues was inadequate, describing the current system as a disgrace compared to the reforms implemented by former Health Minister Greg Hunt. Wallace claimed that patients with significant mental illness were often released from public hospitals after brief suicide watch periods without adequate long-term care.