Craig Emerson (Rankin, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Following the government’s announcement of an electronic claiming system for Medicare, I wrote to Medicare Australia, which is an agency of the federal government, seeking an assurance of the continued operation of the Logan Central Medicare office in light of the introduction of these new technologies. I did that against the background of that Medicare office being under severe threat in the past. Only a very vigorous campaign from local residents ensured that it stayed open, even though it did move from one shopping centre to another. It was a very simple request: an assurance that this office would remain open.

The answer says: ‘Electronic Medicare claiming will make it more convenient for Australians to obtain their Medicare rebates quickly and easily, without the need to visit a Medicare office. This will free up capacity in Medicare offices to deliver other services stemming from a range of government initiatives such as family assistance payments.’ Lacking from this response is a simple assurance that this Medicare office will remain open. It was a simple question; the answer does not deal with that question, and on that basis the residents of Logan Central again can be concerned about the ongoing commitment of this government to that Medicare office. I will certainly be drawing that fact to their attention and ensuring that it remains open.