Chris Bowen (McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Health) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Health. Can the minister confirm that the Department of Health has advised Senate estimates: 'Successful applications were decided by the government'. Can the minister also confirm the CEO of Sound Radiology is also the vice-president of the South Australian branch of the Liberal Party?

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting—

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Members on my left. Members on my left.

Mr Husic interjecting—

I'm very happy to solve the problem another way, Member for Chifley. The Minister for Health has the call.

Greg Hunt (Flinders, Liberal Party, Minister for Health) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In relation to the latter argument, I can't confirm—that matter is not known to me and, to the best of my knowledge, has never been known to me. In relation to the former, we received submissions from the department and, as is the case with submissions—they are signed off in the ministerial office. I would note—

Opposition Member:

An opposition member interjecting—

Greg Hunt (Flinders, Liberal Party, Minister for Health) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes, exactly, by the minister. That is the role which comes with it. I would note that, in relation to fully eligible MRI units per 100,000 population, in the Adelaide region—and indeed in the electorate of Adelaide, an opposition electorate—the rate of MRIs per 100,000 people is 0.7. That is significantly lower than the rate in south-east Melbourne, Perth South, East Melbourne with 0.5; the Australian Capital Territory with 0.5; Western Sydney with 0.5; Brisbane South with 0.5; Nepean, Blue Mountains with 0.5. In country South Australia it is 0.6; Brisbane North 0.6; central and eastern Sydney 0.6; Hunter, New England and Central Coast 0.6. These things are determined on a basis of need. That sets out the fact that that area is significantly lower in MRI concentration than all of those other regions of Australia.