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

Thank you, Senator Steele-John, for the question. I am actually very pleased to speak about the approach that this government is taking to restoring the strength and the availability of Medicare funded services because I think, as everyone in this chamber will understand, it was a key focus for us in the last term of government, and it is an even bigger focus for us this time. You asked about the decision by cohealth, and we consider this decision deeply disappointing. It seems that cohealth have got themselves into a difficult financial situation. That is very concerning, especially for the local community that they serve. The finance, the governance, of cohealth is the responsibility of that board, and I am disappointed that they find themselves in this position. I understand that we have requested that the board reconsider its position.

But, more broadly, Senator, of course we intend to invest in Medicare, of course the $8½ billion package we are bringing forward will make a difference and it will be a focus for this government each and every day.