Jenny McAllister

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister stated that the government prioritizes directing taxpayer dollars to aged care, citing $3 billion in budget funding for beds and care packages. She explained that returning the rebate to standard rates helps fund these investments to repair a system neglected by the previous government. Regarding the supplementary questions, she highlighted $25 billion in additional funding for public hospitals and an $812 billion investment in Medicare. She asserted that the government monitors private hospital viability while making substantial investments in the public system, contrasting this with the previous administration's record.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister stated that PBS medicines now cost no more than $25 and that new treatments, such as Qalsody for motor neurone disease, are being listed. She noted that bulk billing has risen to more than eight out of 10 GP visits. She highlighted investments in GP training, with 2,100 doctors beginning government-funded training in 2026, the largest cohort on record.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister reported that over 3,800 GP practices were fully bulk-billing, two years ahead of schedule, with more than eight out of 10 GP visits in Tasmania being free. She noted the establishment of 137 permanent Medicare urgent care clinics nationwide. Regarding medicines, she stated that the government had reduced the maximum PBS co-payment to $25 from 1 January, the lowest level since 2004, contrasting this with opposition policies that would have resulted in higher costs.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister stated that the government's priority was directing tax dollars to aged care services, which required bringing older Australians' private health insurance rebate back to the same rate as everyone else's. She acknowledged the decision was difficult and unwelcome but necessary to fund aged care beds and packages. She criticized the Coalition for having no costed aged care policies. Regarding cochlear implants, she noted that implants were funded through public hospitals, and processor upgrades were available through the NDIS and Veterans' Affairs. She confirmed that over-65s would still receive up to 24 per cent subsidy on premiums, the same as the rest of the population, based on income rather than age.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister highlighted the National Preparedness Summit and Exercise Nexus as key preparation activities. She noted that over 70 per cent of local government areas had been affected by disasters since 2022 and that El Nino conditions were present. She outlined investments in the National Emergency Management Stockpile, the national aerial firefighting fleet, and the Disaster Ready Fund, which had committed over $1.1 billion to 449 projects. She advised communities to prepare plans and use multiple trusted information sources, including the new AusAlert system.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister outlined a $792 million women's health package aimed at providing affordable care. She noted that over one million women had reduced costs for contraceptives, IVF, and medicines for endometriosis and menopause. New oral contraceptive pills, including Yaz and Slinda, were listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for the first time in 30 years. Additionally, 33 endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics were established across Australia to facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment, alongside perimenopause and menopause care.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister reported that bulk-billing rates had risen to 84 per cent and that 137 Medicare urgent care clinics were now permanent, with four out of five Australians living within a 20-minute drive of one. She stated that PBS medicines were the cheapest in 20 years, saving Australians more than $2.9 billion since July 2022, and noted the listing of a new treatment for rare brain cancer. Regarding obstacles, she criticized the opposition for attempting to dismantle safety nets like Medicare and the PBS, contrasting this with their protection of tax concessions for the wealthy.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister acknowledged Vietnam Veterans' Day and highlighted a significant increase in allied health provider fees, the largest in 20 years, responding to Royal Commission recommendations. She clarified that the $5,000 threshold reduces the need for veterans to return to a GP for referrals every 12 visits. Regarding assessor choice, she stated that DVA already prefers reports from a veteran's usual treating doctor, with independent exams only required when necessary due to complexity or lack of access.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister stated that the government established the Fraud Fusion Taskforce and invested in the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to combat fraud. She reported that the commission issued 111 banning orders in the last quarter, the highest ever recorded. Since the taskforce's establishment, more than 2,600 providers submitting incorrect claims have been disrupted, over 600 investigations launched, 27 individuals convicted, and $50 million in assets seized. The minister noted that $1.35 billion had been invested to stamp down on fraud, citing previous government failures where basic prevention controls were lacking, such as the inability to review claims submitted outside standard business hours.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister reported that the bulk-billing rate rose to 84.1 per cent in the last June quarter, with over 85 per cent of GP visits in Victoria being bulk-billed. She attributed this to historic investments in Medicare. Regarding after-hours care, she highlighted the 1800MEDICARE service, which provides free health advice 24 hours a day and can connect patients with free telehealth appointments. She noted that bulk-billing rates were rising in every state and territory, including a 13 per cent increase in the Northern Territory.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister stated she did not have the specific information regarding the number of unpaid invoices or doctors. She noted that the government had made significant investments in improving DVA's claims-handling architecture. She affirmed the government's commitment to paying suppliers within ordinary program requirements, including integrity and record-keeping standards. She offered to return to the chamber if further information became available.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister stated that the Commonwealth Prac Payment is being expanded to 10 more professions, including psychologists, pharmacists, and podiatrists, providing up to $338.60 a week. She noted that this builds on previous cuts to student debt. Regarding aged care, she confirmed the fifth wage increase for nurses, resulting in a pay rise of more than $36,000 per year for registered nurses since 2022. She argued that these measures help attract and retain staff, improving care quality, and criticised the opposition for complaining about pay increases for unionised workers.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister did not provide a specific death toll, instead stating that no one wished to see older people die waiting for care. She argued that the previous government had cut $212 billion from aged care and that the current government was investing $47 billion in the upcoming financial year. She described the reforms as a long-term project to address generational demand. In supplementary answers, she announced an additional $3.7 billion investment to deliver 5,000 extra aged care beds annually and free personal care services. She asserted that every person assessed as urgent priority received full funding within a month.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister stated that the government was delivering a record $220 billion to the public health system, including $5.1 billion for Tasmania over five years. She highlighted the permanence of 137 Medicare urgent care clinics, which had served three million Australians. The minister noted the expansion of the pneumococcal vaccine program for those over 65 and the addition of cheaper medicines to the PBS, including long-acting insulin and anaphylaxis treatment, capped at $25. She identified the opposition's history of cuts to Medicare and public hospitals, and One Nation's commitment to abolish the TGA, as threats to public health.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister announced $25 billion in additional funding for public hospitals, including $5.1 billion for Tasmania over five years. She stated that all 137 urgent care clinics would become permanent and bulk-bill from 1 July. Regarding medicines, she noted that 10 new listings on the PBS would provide expanded access to cheaper treatments for conditions such as severe asthma, anaphylaxis, type 1 diabetes, and cancers, capping costs at $25. She explained that the government's approach was based on the principle that patients should only need their Medicare card, not their credit card, and contrasted this with the previous government's cuts.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister stated that the government was investing over $3 billion in aged care beds and packages, funded by returning the PHI rebate for older Australians to the same level as others. She argued that the additional rebate was not the best use of taxpayer dollars and that the changes would restore fairness. She noted that people over 65 would still receive up to 24 per cent in government-subsidised discounts on premiums. She stated that the average impact on those 65 and older was less than a dollar a day, or approximately $250 a year, and that the changes were necessary to ensure the aged-care system's long-term viability.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister expressed sadness at the death of an older Australian waiting for care and emphasized the importance of the government's reforms. She stated that the previous government had cut $212 billion from the sector and failed to meet growing needs. Regarding the assessment process, she argued that the old system was inaccurate and produced unfair outcomes. She explained that the current system involved trained human assessors working with older people to understand functional needs, with a second person reviewing the outcome before sign-off. She noted that delegates could send assessments back if errors were identified, countering claims of misinformation about the process.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister confirmed that all 137 promised Medicare urgent care clinics were now open, including 29 in Victoria. She stated that about four out of five Australians lived within a 20-minute drive of a clinic, and there had been 3.1 million visits since the first opened in June 2023. She noted that 45 per cent of patients would have otherwise visited an emergency department or called an ambulance. In response to supplementary questions, she reported that the proportion of bulk-billed services reached 81.9 per cent in the first quarter of the year, a 4.6 percentage point increase. She attributed this to an $812 billion investment in bulk-billing and criticised the previous government for neglecting Medicare and allowing bulk-billing rates to fall.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister stated that as at 31 December, 94,963 people were waiting for a Support at Home place and 103,527 were waiting for an assessment. She explained that the government had invested over $4.3 billion in the new Support at Home program. In response to the supplementary, she confirmed that the budget would deliver an additional 32,000 Support at Home places in 2026-27, bringing the total to more than 420,000 places. She also noted that the budget included $3.7 billion for more aged-care beds and better care, including 5,000 additional beds annually.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister explained that reforms were necessary because the scheme was growing too fast, costing more than anticipated, and distorting the care economy. She stated that changes to eligibility aimed to return the scheme to its original intent of supporting those with significant and permanent disabilities. Regarding fraud, she emphasized the need to stamp out exploitation and harm. She argued that sustainability measures were essential to ensure the scheme existed for future generations, noting that other supports like Thriving Kids would assist those no longer eligible for the NDIS.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister explained that reforms were necessary because the scheme was growing too fast and costing more than anticipated, with spending blown out by $13 billion over four years. She stated that new laws would end cost blowouts, reset social and community participation costs, and reduce spending on intermediaries by 30 per cent. A new digital payment system would be introduced to combat fraud. She argued that these measures would reduce annual growth from 22 per cent to 10 per cent, ensuring the scheme's sustainability for future generations.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister explained that No. 34 was funded under the Indigenous Australians' Health Programme, which was being evaluated and rebalanced to prioritize community-controlled services. She affirmed the government's commitment to culturally safe services and partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled health sector. The minister stated that the Minister for Health and Ageing was aware of the case and considering options for funding.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister declined to comment on budget specifics but highlighted an $812 billion investment in Medicare to improve primary care access and bulk-billing rates, which had risen by 6.3 percentage points in Tasmania since October 2023. She stated that the government was committed to delivering for Australians with diabetes, including securing the PBS listing of Fiasp and providing subsidised continuous glucose monitors to all 130,000 Australians with type 1 diabetes under the National Diabetes Services Scheme.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister explained that the Commonwealth was not party to the specific project contract in South Australia, which had received $68 million in 2017. She stated the government was working with the South Australian government to explore alternative technology suppliers. She noted patients could apply through the Medical Treatment Overseas Program and that Cancer Australia projected a need for one unit nationally.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister reported that 130 Medicare urgent care clinics were open, with 2.6 million visits recorded. She stated that once fully implemented, four out of five Australians would live within a 20-minute drive of a clinic. She highlighted an $8.5 billion investment in bulk-billing, which had increased bulk-billing rates across all states. She noted that PBS medicines were at their cheapest in 20 years, with a 20 per cent cut in maximum costs, saving Australians around $200 million annually.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister acknowledged the longstanding issues in the aged care system and stated the government was rebuilding it from the ground up. She confirmed that urgent cases were being prioritised and that wait times were expected to decrease. She attributed the crisis to neglect during the previous government's tenure and stated that the current administration was working swiftly to address the backlog through new legislation, resourcing, and workforce support.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister stated that from 1 January, the maximum PBS copayment was reduced to $25, a 20 per cent cut, saving Australians over $200 million annually. She noted that costs for pensioners and concession cardholders were frozen at $7.70 until 2030. She highlighted the introduction of free 24/7 nurse advice via 1800MEDICARE and the expansion of 122 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics. She cited an $812 billion investment in Medicare and an increase in bulk-billing practices to 3,300 nationwide.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister outlined the establishment of the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission and a wellbeing agency. She cited $58.3 million over three years for mental health support, including expanded treatment plans commencing 1 July 2026. She mentioned the extension of the Military and Veteran Psychiatry Training Program and efforts to speed up claims processing. In response to supplementary questions about psychiatric beds and contractors, she stated the department worked with hospitals to fund beds and was updating fee schedules. She declined to name the second contractor, stating she did not have the information.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister highlighted $25 billion in additional funding for public hospitals, bringing Commonwealth funding to $219.6 billion by 2031. She mentioned securing the NDIS with annual cost increases targeted at five to six per cent and $2 billion for foundational supports. In response to supplementary questions, she cited 122 Medicare urgent care clinics with over two million visits, reducing pressure on emergency departments. She also noted 3,200 Medicare bulk-billing practices nationwide.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister detailed the activation of disaster recovery allowances and payments for Victorian bushfire victims. She noted that over $77 million in additional assistance was being activated, including $75,000 grants for primary producers, a $12 million council support fund, and over $82 million for road repairs. For Queensland, she mentioned personal hardship assistance, aid for farmers of up to $75,000, and $7 million in emergency fodder assistance. The minister also highlighted record investments in emergency management capabilities, including the national aerial firefighting fleet and the $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister outlined a $42.6 million mental health package, including $14.2 million for targeted support for the Jewish community through organisations like Jewish House and Jewish Care. She noted that $4.5 million was provided to primary health networks in Sydney and areas with significant Jewish communities. A Medicare mental health centre with a focus on trauma support was being established in Bondi. Additional funding included $5.6 million for the Black Dog Institute's support service for emergency workers, $3 million for young Australians via headspace, and $7.6 million for crisis support services like Lifeline and Beyond Blue.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister noted that an expression of interest was open for three new bulk-billed GP clinics in Canberra. She explained that the allocation of Commonwealth supported places relied on advice from a selection advisory committee and was a competitive process. She stated that a further 50 places would be allocated in a second grant round opening in 2026.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister confirmed that National Emergency Management Agency staff were embedded in the emergency operations centre. She noted that disaster relief funding had been activated, providing immediate relief payments to those who relocated. Joint funding was also activated for rebuilding roads and public infrastructure. She highlighted investments in the national emergency stockpile and the Disaster Ready Fund to enhance future resilience.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister highlighted an $81.2 billion investment in Medicare to expand bulk-billing, aiming for nine out of 10 GP visits to be bulk-billed by 2030. She noted the opening of 47 additional Medicare urgent care clinics. Regarding medicines, she stated that the maximum PBS co-payment would drop to $25, saving Australians over $200 million annually, and that new listings for breast cancer treatments and contraceptives had been made.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister detailed the cheaper medicines bill, which would cap PBS prescription costs at $25 from next year, saving over $200 million annually. She noted that costs for pensioners and concession card holders would be frozen at $7.70 until 2030. Additionally, she highlighted the listing of new treatments for breast cancer and rare kidney disease, and the inclusion of new contraceptive pills on the PBS for the first time in 30 years.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister declined to comment on the specific case but highlighted the new Aged Care Act starting 1 November, which aimed to ensure sustainable funding and expansion of residential care. She referred the specific case to the Minister for Aged Care. Regarding First Nations elders, she stated that means testing relied on social security law definitions and that the Minister for Aged Care was considering the effects of co-contributions on First Nations Australians.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister highlighted the rollout of the bulk-billing incentive program from 1 November. She stated that 134 GP practices in Western Australia, 904 in New South Wales, and 89 in South Australia had indicated they would move to full bulk billing. She did not provide a specific date when all out-of-pocket costs would be zero, focusing instead on the increase in bulk-billing practices.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister attributed the previous decline in bulk-billing to the Coalition's freeze on rebates. She stated that the government was making historic investments to repair Medicare and noted that over a thousand practices had indicated interest in becoming fully bulk-billing. She reiterated the government's intention to increase bulk-billing rates to fulfill the promise of universal healthcare, framing the current measures as a response to damage done by the previous government.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister affirmed the importance of the US alliance for national security. She stated that the government considers the national interest in all international engagements. She defended the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines and critical minerals agreements as beneficial for Australia.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister expressed disappointment at the closure of cohealth, attributing it to financial issues. She highlighted upcoming investments in Medicare and bulk-billing incentives starting 1 November. She did not commit to lifting rebates for longer consultations.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister stated the government was determined to defend universal health care. She highlighted investments to restore bulk-billing and mentioned steps taken in the ACT. She did not provide specific details on market intervention mechanisms.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister highlighted investments in new GP practices and attraction initiatives in the ACT. She did not provide a specific number of practices that had signed up. She emphasized the government's commitment to restoring bulk-billing.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister stated that 90 clinics had been delivered, with over two million visits made and an average of 26,000 visits per week. She noted that one-third of patients were under 15 and that the clinics were free. She announced the opening of 47 more clinics, which would ensure four out of five Australians live within a 20-minute drive of one. Regarding integration, she stated that nearly half of patients would have used hospital emergency departments otherwise, citing data from Tasmania where clinics treated more patients than the Royal Hobart Hospital emergency department. She highlighted that 30 per cent of visits occurred on weekends and 25 per cent after 5 pm. Finally, she outlined an $812 billion investment in Medicare to expand bulk-billing, aiming for nine out of 10 GP visits to be bulk-billed by 2030.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister outlined that the government had delivered 87 urgent care clinics, exceeding the target of 50. She announced an $8.5 billion investment in Medicare from November 2025 to expand bulk-billing and open 50 more clinics. She confirmed legislation had passed to cap PBS prescription costs at $25, a 20 per cent reduction, and freeze costs for pensioners at $7.70 until 2030.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister stated the government was pleased to work with the opposition on aged-care reforms. She confirmed the government is bringing forward the release of 83,000 additional home-care places, with 20,000 accessible during the eight weeks preceding the new Aged Care Act taking effect on 1 November. A further 63,000 places will be supported under the new Support at Home program by 30 June 2026. She described this as a responsible decision that maintains fiscal savings while delivering care faster.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister invited the senator to raise individual cases with the Minister for Aged Care. She highlighted that the government had invested $5.6 billion in aged-care reforms, the largest improvement in 30 years, including delivering registered nurses on site more than 99 per cent of the time. She noted that a new single assessment system was being rolled out to reduce wait times and improve the experience. The minister confirmed that a new program to increase care availability would commence on 1 November.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister confirmed that as of 31 March, figures indicated 87,597 individuals awaiting an approved home-care package. She blamed the prior government's neglect for the backlogs and stated that current reforms, backed by the opposition, seek to resolve these problems and guarantee quality care. She observed that new and reallocated packages are issued weekly, assisting older Australians to leave the waiting list.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister outlined that the government delivered $3.5 billion in 2023 to restore bulk-billing access for 11 million patients. She announced an $812 billion investment in Medicare starting 1 November 2025, aiming for nine out of 10 GP visits to be bulk-billed by 2030. She also noted the expansion of Medicare urgent care clinics, with 87 delivered against a promise of 50, and a reduction in the maximum PBS script cost to $25, saving over $200 million annually.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister acknowledged the case and stated that reforms are designed to centre people in the aged-care system. She attributed the current situation to a period of neglect under the previous government and noted that high-priority assessments are now completed within a month. She highlighted that access to in-home care has grown from 155,000 to over 300,000 people in five years.

Answer from Jenny McAllister

The minister stated that the idea for foundational supports came from the Bonyhady and Paul review and that states agreed to start with children. She clarified that children currently on the scheme or joining before 2027 would not see changes to their support, ensuring no gap in care. Regarding state funding, she explained that discussions since 2023 involved a $5 billion federal offer matched by states to establish foundational supports, with the current focus on children.