Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Minister for Rural Health) Share this | Hansard source

I do think that that question sounds rather like the one that was previously asked of me, Mr President. But, with respect for the senator, I will answer that question again.

Firstly, the President of the AMA, Brian Owler, is entitled to his opinions, of course. I do not necessarily agree with him in all instances and I do not agree with him in this instance. The $57 billion that those opposite refer to was fanciful spending. It was never there. Those on the other side had never actually funded it. This crops up from time to time, but it had never actually been funded.

Those opposite might choose to ask the question again, and the answer will be exactly the same. This government is increasing funding to hospitals over the forward estimates. I will say that again, just in case those opposite did not catch it the first time: this government will be increasing funding to hospitals over the forward estimates—every single year. Indeed, when we look at all of the states they all increase. The total increase in annual funding, 2014-15 to 2018-19—those opposite might like to listen—increases in every single state and territory.

So rather than what those opposite claim—that there is a decrease in funding—we are increasing funding to hospitals, year-on-year. They, on the other side, have not funded any of their promises when it comes to health.