House debates Questions in Writing
Australian Standard Geographical Classification (Question No. 216)
Bob Baldwin Paterson, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Tourism
asked the Minister for Health and Ageing, in writing, on 1 March 2011:
(1) In respect of the Australian Standard Geographical Classification (ASGC)—Remoteness Areas (RA), will there be a limit by (a) number, (b) dollar value, or (c) share of available funding, to Medicare rebates available for online consultations for patients living in: (i) non-capital city RA1, (ii) capital city RA1, (iii) RA2, (iv) RA3, (v) RA4, and (vi) RA5.
(2) In respect of the ASGC—RA, will there be a limit by (a) number, (b) dollar value, or (c) share of available funding, to the $35 million telehealth training initiative for health professionals in: (i) non-capital city RA1, (ii) capital city RA1, (iii) RA2, (iv) RA3, (v) RA4, and (vi) RA5.
Nicola Roxon Gellibrand, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Health and Ageing
The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:
(1) No. Rebates will be available for patients in inner Metropolitan areas and rural and regional areas.
(2) No.