Jenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Pocock, we wouldn't accept the proposition you have put in your question that any jurisdiction is being short-changed. We have worked constructively with colleagues in the states and the territories to make sure that we can get the very best outcomes that we can for Australians in the public hospital system. The National Health Reform Agreement was established in 2011 under a Labor government. It formalises that partnership between Commonwealth government and the states and territories, and it seeks to improve health outcomes for all Australians.

Unfortunately, the former Liberal government neglected the health system. They failed to deliver any reform. We have seen emergency departments under pressure across the country. We have seen elective surgery waiting lists soar. There is a lot of work to do, but we are determined to work collaboratively with our colleagues, as I said in my answer to your primary question, and make sure that all Australians in all states and territories get the health care that they require.