Matt Smith (Leichhardt, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to speak on Medicare, built by Labor and delivered by Labor. This extra commitment adds $8.5 billion for people to get in to see GPs and get the health care they deserve.

When I was playing in the United States, I took a hit to the face. My bottom lip was almost torn. The university I played for spent hundreds of thousands of dollars repairing me. A couple of years later, I blew out a shoulder—another quarter-of-a-million-dollar bill for those who were looking after me. In 2019, I had a stroke. Thanks to Medicare, I spent three days in hospital and was able to come out with a clean bill of health and no bill to pay. That is the beauty of Medicare—the equity of health care for all Australians. It is something we on this side of the House are proud of every single day. That little green card opens so many doors and gives people so much quality of life.

That's why it's exciting that we've added extra urgent care clinics right across the country, including, very soon, one for the northern suburbs of Cairns. For those unfamiliar with the geography of Cairns, the northern suburbs are cut off when the floods come through almost yearly. We are isolated from any kind of medical help. An urgent care clinic will address that need. The aged, the young and the people who need a top-up of their medication will be able to get in to see a doctor, get checked out and get home where they belong without having to brave the floodwaters that come across our highways.

I'm very excited that bulk-billing has been extended. I'm happy for the people of Australia and for my children, knowing they will have continued access to excellent health care.

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