Question Time AU

General Debate

Medicare

Senate · Thursday 31 July 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The debate centred on a motion moved by the Liberal Party condemning the Prime Minister for allegedly misleading Australians about Medicare costs during the election campaign. Anne Ruston argued that rising out-of-pocket expenses and falling bulk-billing rates contradicted government promises, while Jordon Steele-John highlighted ongoing access barriers and called for universal dental care and improved trans health support. Tim Ayres, representing the government, declined to speak on the merits of the motion, noting the late hour and the need for a deferred vote.

Outcome

The motion was deferred for a later vote.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Anne Ruston (SA) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Ruston argued that the Prime Minister misled the public by promising free GP visits while out-of-pocket costs reached $2 billion in the previous year and $166 million in May 2025 alone. Ruston cited Department of Health advice indicating that universal bulk-billing was unachievable, suggesting the government knew its promises were false. Ruston claimed bulk-billing rates fell from 86 per cent in 2019 to 77 per cent, and that 1.5 million Australians avoided seeing doctors due to cost. Ruston also criticised the government for defunding the Mental Health Commission and capping medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

Government response

Tim Ayres (Minister for Industry and Innovation; Minister for Science) ALP NSW

Ayres stated that he would not make a substantive contribution to the debate. Ayres noted that the government had achieved significant legislative outcomes during the week and that it was after 4.30 pm. Consequently, he indicated that the motion would proceed to a deferred vote rather than being decided immediately.