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

Thanks very much for your question, Senator Pocock. I think you will know, from previous discussions in this place, that the government understands the significance of the challenge that we face in the ACT in ensuring that ACT residents have access to health care. We do recognise that the bulk-billing rate in the ACT is significantly lower than in other parts of the country, and it's why we are making the arrangements that we are to expand bulk-billing availability in the ACT. You will know, I think, that an expression of interest is open to establish three new bulk-billed GP clinics for Canberra to deliver more doctors and more bulk-billing practices to Canberra. We are of course very focused on workforce, and the government has made significant investments to generate not just more GPs but more nurses and more personnel able to support the health needs of Australians. We will continue to work across the country to ensure that we have the personnel available to support Australians when they need it.