Peter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Minister for Health) Share this | Hansard source

My friend the member for Herbert says that it is a lot of money. Yes, it is. It is a lot of taxpayer's money. People have worked hard for it. We are not putting it into bureaucratic structures here in Canberra to please union bosses. We are putting it into practical programs on the ground that will help doctors, nurses and allied health professionals see patients. We are putting money into telehealth. We are putting money into stroke care. We are making sure that people in regional communities can see specialists through outreach programs. We can make sure that where specialists will not travel to regional communities we can provide those services via telehealth programs. That is what this government has done. That is what this government will continue to do through the wise investment of taxpayers' money. We will not be lectured by union bosses absolutely dominated day and night by those who sit outside this place, who pull the strings. We will get on with helping people in regional communities. The Labor Party failed for six years. (Time expired)

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