Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I note those opposite who interject do not like the idea of improving our health system. I thank Senator Crossin for her question and would like to note at the outset the Rudd government’s commitment to ensuring that Australians everywhere can access the health care they need. That is why we are tackling the chronic shortage of doctors in rural and regional Australia. This shortage was aggravated by the previous government’s decision to cap GP places at 600. That was the decision made by those opposite, a breathtaking, irresponsible move from one of their former health ministers—the opposition leader today. Our $632 million investment, which will train a record number of doctors, will more than double the number of places for medical specialists to do their training where the community actually needs them. What is more, last year’s budget provided $134 million to address the shortages of doctors in rural and regional Australia and on 1 July almost 500 communities around Australia will become eligible for rural incentives. (Time expired)