Ged Kearney (Cooper, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care) Share this | Hansard source

I would like to thank everybody for their contribution to this important bill, the Health Insurance Amendment (Professional Services Review Scheme) Bill 2023. We need to make sure that our Medicare program is modern and fit for service and that it meets the needs of our communities, and I recognise the passion that everybody has spoken with. Thank you very much, everybody.

The Medicare program provides universal access for all Australians to most healthcare services. The Health Insurance Amendment (Professional Services Review Scheme) Bill 2023 is a timely and appropriate response to issues raised in the independent review of Medicare integrity and compliance. The bill removes the veto power of the Australian Medical Association over the appointment of the Director of Professional Services Review, known as the PSR. The bill also amends consultation requirements for appointing other statutory office holders of the PSR, enabling direct consultation with relevant peak bodies. This will ensure the regulator can operate with impartiality and independence and will improve public perceptions of the fairness and integrity of Medicare. The bill also allows for the appointment of associate directors of the PSR, which will provide for the alternative decision-makers to manage conflicts of interest, unexpected absences and workload pressures for the director. This will allow PSR matters to be finalised more quickly in some cases. One of the key issues identified in the review of Medicare integrity and compliance was the length of time the compliance processes currently take. Both practitioners under review in the community will benefit from faster resolution of compliance issues.

Finally, the bill will remove the need for engagement with stakeholder groups before requesting documents, which will improve processes used to audit payments relating to Medicare services. This will also strengthen and speed up Medicare compliance functions without limiting the types of documents a person may provide during an audit. The person being audited will continue to have an opportunity to make submissions about the compliance matter and provide any relevant information or documents.

The measures in this bill will strengthen the regulatory framework, supporting the integrity of Medicare to ensure that all Australians can continue to receive necessary health services. I thank the members for their contributions to the debate on this bill.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Message from the Administrator recommending appropriation announced.

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