Scott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

The Medicare Guarantee (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2017 makes amendments to the Health Insurance Act 1973and the National Health Act 1953 to reflect the proposed operation of the Medicare Guarantee Bill 2017, which secures the ongoing funding of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

The MBS and PBS are currently paid under the Health Insurance Act 1973and National Health Act 1953 respectively.

These acts meet payment obligations under those schemes by appropriating from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

The Medicare Guarantee (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2017 makes a number of consequential amendments to the Health Insurance Act 1973and National Health Act 1953to replace the current special appropriations under those acts with the Medicare Guarantee Fund.

These changes will increase transparency around the cost of running the MBS and PBS and will guarantee the government's commitment to fund the affordable health care all Australians rely on.

Full details of the bill are contained in the explanatory memorandum.

Debate adjourned.