Bert Van Manen (Forde, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

It is always a pleasure being in this House and listening to the contribution from the member for McMahon! The only people who have created angst and anxiety about Medicare have been those opposite during last year's federal election when they scared the Australian people into thinking that the coalition was going to get rid of Medicare. It was complete and utter nonsense. We have listened to 15 or so minutes of whingeing, whining and complaints, but I am pleased to say that those opposite are going to support this Medicare Guarantee Bill. In consideration of the short time before 90-second statements, I will just say that this bill is about improving transparency and improving the understanding of how Medicare is funded—where that funding is coming from and where that funding is going to. It is incredibly important that the Australian people fully understand that the government on the side of the House is about ensuring confidence in our Medicare system. The Medicare system underpins a sense of wellbeing and confidence in our community that those services will be available to Australians, as they require them on a day-to-day basis not only in going to see the doctor but also in having access to a range of vital medicines.

In this year's budget, the government committed to a substantial increase in the number of medicines that are available on the PPS, some $1.2 billion worth. It is another example that this government is committed to ensuring we provide access to the health and medical services that Australians require on a day-to-day basis. What we do not want to see is another scare campaign from those opposite. We know that that is all they are capable of. All they are capable of is a scare campaign, because they have nothing substantial or useful to contribute and deliver to the Australian people.

The member for McMahon said, in his contribution, that they would love to be back on the government benches to take care of the interests of Australians. Well, I can assure you, Mr Deputy Speaker: there is nothing the Australian people want less than to have those opposite back on the government benches, because last time they were here their contribution to the benefit of the Australian people was nothing. They cannot implement a program to save themselves, and we have seen again—

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