Claire Clutterham (Sturt, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Specific changes that this bill prescribes include a change in the timeframe during which Medicare claims for bulk-billed services may be made, from two years to one year. With respect to investigative powers across the legislative framework—including the National Health Act, the Health Insurance Act, the Human Services (Medicare) Act and the Dental Benefits Act—they were found to be inconsistent and fragmented, resulting in difficulty in identifying which powers of investigation might be used in relation to offences. Further, there were unnecessary restrictions on the ability to search with consent and on the retention of important evidence, which could have the consequence that matters requiring prosecution, such as a serious criminal fraud prosecution under the Criminal Code, might be compromised or unable to be prosecuted at all. The current powers in this respect were found to be so narrow that the proper exercise of functions to detect, investigate and refer fraud matters was compromised.

The bill amends the National Health Act to improve the efficiency of the process by which the minister may exercise discretion to approve a pharmacist. This is achieved by combining the two stages of the current process into one stage, restricting repeat applications, allowing the minister to delegate the approval of a request form and increasing the term of appointment for Australian Community Pharmacy Authority members to three years. These amendments will reduce the administrative burden and support more timely access to pharmaceutical benefits.

The measures in the bill collectively improve powers to detect, respond to, investigate, disclose and deter misconduct, fraud and noncompliance and will support the ability to conduct efficient, timely and effective compliance activities. The overall effectiveness and efficiency of the government's compliance systems will be supported, and timely and proportionate responses to incorrect payments and fraud under health benefits schemes will be better facilitated.

This legislation also encompasses amendments to the Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Act 2023, which are directed at clarifying the intended operation of the legislation, which commenced on 1 April last year. Of particular importance to me are the amendments that seek to harmonise the approach on advertising in the Tobacco Act and Therapeutic Goods Act in relation to e-cigarettes, otherwise known as vapes. Both acts prohibit the advertisement of vapes. These amendments reflect the changed approach to vaping goods following the introduction of vaping reforms and ensure the approach is harmonised.

Earlier this year I visited the Charles Campbell College at Paradise in the electorate of Sturt to meet with the principal, Mr Kevin O'Neil, and talk to students about the impact of vaping reforms, which were aimed at limiting access. The federal government's action to outlaw the sale of vapes in a recreational or retail setting, meaning vapes can only legally be bought in pharmacies, had had a profound impact on the students of Charles Campbell College, on their learning and on their understanding of their own personal health and wellbeing. This, together with a series of information campaigns directed at young people to make sure they know the facts about vaping, know the harms that are caused by vapes and know the skills and methods to just say no to something so harmful to their health, had resulted in many students not only at Charles Campbell College but more broadly never having tried vaping and never having smoked a cigarette. The students I spoke to say that, following the education campaign, they were just not interested. The prohibition on the advertisement of vapes as prescribed by this legislation is yet another measure the Albanese Labor government has designed with a specific purpose of protecting the health and wellbeing of young people in this great country.

Medicare is a Labor creation and an Australian institution. It is the envy of the world. We know that Medicare works best, provides the healthcare support and services Australians need and deserve best and is funded most effectively and efficiently when shaped by integrity. Promoting integrity in the Medicare system is exactly what this bill does.

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