Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Polley. Australians want a government focused on what matters, and that is what we have continued to deliver in 2026: cost-of-living relief, quality, affordable health care and support for families.

Last Friday, the National Cabinet met in Sydney and reached a landmark agreement to strengthen public hospitals. The government will provide an additional $25 billion for state and territory public hospitals—three times more additional funding than under the last five-year agreement. It's an investment that strengthens Medicare, builds on what we are already delivering, particularly Medicare urgent care clinics, stronger bulk-billing incentives, more Medicare mental health clinics and cheaper medicines for every Australian.

This is a government that is easing cost-of-living pressures. From this month, medicines on the PBS will cost no more than $25. Australians can access free health advice through 1800MEDICARE. From 5 January, every child that needs it will have access to three days of childcare subsidy, with no activity test. That demonstrates that this government, since 1 January 2026, has been continuing to deliver for Australians with support at home and also with advocacy in the world.

The Prime Minister travelled to Timor-Leste last week and agreed to the parseria declaration—the first of its kind between our two nations. This week, I will travel with the Prime Minister to Indonesia, where he will sign the historic Treaty on Common Security agreed with President Prabowo at the end of last year.

This is a Labor government that is focused on delivering in Australia's national interest. We're focused on the things Australians want us to focus on. It stands in stark contrast with those opposite, who continue to focus, almost entirely, on what is happening in their party room and on their— (Time expired)