Opened the debate
Anne Ruston (SA) (Liberal Party)
Liberal
Ruston supported the bill as a necessary technical measure to ensure the levy applies to current responsible parties for medical devices, rather than just original applicants. Ruston argued this change maintains the integrity of the National Joint Replacement Registry, which is funded through the levy and administered by the Australian Orthopaedic Association. While endorsing the bill, she criticised the government for failing to finalise the National Health Reform Agreement and for withholding home-care packages, which she claimed exacerbated bed block and delayed elective surgeries. Ruston moved a second reading amendment to draw attention to these broader healthcare system failures.