Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Marshall for his question and note his continuing interest in crucial reforms to ensure a healthy, prosperous and productive future for our nation. The Rudd government’s plan for the Commonwealth—to take on the dominant funding role for the entire public health system—is designed to end the blame game and put the health system on a sustainable financial footing for the future. For the first time the Commonwealth will take the majority funding responsibility for all public hospital services. Our contribution will almost double, from around 35 per cent to 60 per cent.

For decades we have seen the blame game between the states and territories grow over the funding arrangements for the health system. This was something the current opposition leader turned into an art form when he was the health minister. Our plan builds on the two years of reform already undertaken by this government since being elected. We took immediate action upon coming to office to begin the long-term reform of our health system after more than 11 years of neglect by the opposition leader and his government.

Unfortunately, our plan has met with obstructionism at every turn by the Liberal Party. Even in opposition they continue to risk Australia’s future. The issue of dental care is a case in point. Last week we heard reports of some of the rorting of the chronic disease dental scheme. Since the scheme began in November 2007, we know of a doctor who referred approximately 13,000 services and a dentist who received the most Medicare benefits under the scheme. Approximately $4 million in benefits was claimed. This government has attempted to close this flawed scheme twice, but those opposite—the Liberal Party—have continued to block the attempt. (Time expired)