George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Well, Senator Hanson-Young, these decisions are made by ministers on the advice of those who advise them. In making these decisions, as I explained to you in answer to your primary question, the medical needs of the patient concerned are had regard to. That is not a new policy. That is a policy that has always been the case. Of course, medical considerations are taken into account and of course the opinion of doctors in relation to those medical considerations is important. But ultimately, as you know Senator, in any orderly scheme of public administration, it is responsible ministers, not private practitioners, who make the final decision.