Health Care

Haines acknowledged government actions on PBS and Medicare but argued that significant work remains to address health inequity in regional areas. Haines proposed a $2 billion Building Regional and Rural Hospitals Fund to upgrade facilities in Modified Monash Model areas 2 to 7. Haines also called for the expansion of the Commonwealth prac payment program to include all allied health and medical students to support rural training.

Ryan highlighted the restoration of priority access for overseas-trained doctors in outer suburbs, which increased doctor numbers and capacity in Lalor. Ryan noted that 40 clinics in Lalor now bulk-bill, with 11 converting from mixed billing after government incentives. Ryan cited the success of the local urgent care clinic, which has treated over 32,000 people, and emphasised savings from reduced PBS script costs.

Wilkie argued that Tasmania faces severe healthcare challenges, including low bulk-billing rates and poor emergency department performance compared to the national average. Wilkie cited data showing only 46 per cent of Tasmanian ED patients were seen on time, with long ambulance response times. Wilkie criticised the current funding model for incentivising shorter visits and called for better coordination between federal and state governments to ensure equitable access.

Husic contrasted Australia's Medicare system with the United States, where high costs lead to bankruptcy and delayed care. Husic argued that the government has invested more in Medicare than any previous administration, ensuring high bulk-billing rates in Western Sydney. Husic stated that workforce shortages are partly due to doctors moving to higher-paying areas, but highlighted the dedication of local practitioners and the success of urgent care clinics.

Gee argued that changes to distribution priority areas have worsened the rural doctor shortage by allowing overseas-trained doctors to work in city suburbs. Gee cited data showing 40 per cent of Calare residents wait unacceptably long for GP appointments and noted that rural areas lose $8.3 billion in health funding each year. Gee urged the government to restore priority for rural areas and increase the number of urgent care clinics in the Central West.

Ambihaipahar disputed the idea of a postcode lottery, pointing out that Fowler boasts a 94 per cent bulk-billing rate and an urgent care clinic. She noted that in Barton, 64 per cent of medical practices currently bulk-bill, with 13 having switched from mixed billing. Ambihaipahar stressed the government's dedication to collective wellbeing and the Carlton urgent care clinic's role in easing emergency department pressure.

Boele focused on mental health inequities, noting that New South Wales spent less per person on specialist mental health care than any other state. Boele highlighted disparities in service availability between urban and regional areas, leading to longer wait times and greater reliance on emergency departments. Boele commended the Reducing Health Inequities Mission but called for more rapid action to address funding gaps and service inconsistencies.

Stanley argued that Medicare is universal and not a lottery, citing high bulk-billing rates in Werriwa and Fowler. Stanley highlighted the $25 billion investment in public hospitals and the opening of a new urgent care clinic in Austral. Stanley noted that constituents in Werriwa have saved over $8.2 million on cheaper PBS scripts and praised the government's investment in women's health and mental health services.