David Pocock (ACT, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I've got a question for the Minister representing the Minister for Health, Senator McAllister, but could I also just say I think this is a really landmark question time, because—

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Pocock, no.

David Pocock (ACT, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This is part of my question. I can say what I want.

Honourable senators interjecting—

The clock's running; I can say what I want. It's landmark because we have Labor senators actually asking questions on behalf of their state, not on behalf of the Labor Party!

Honourable senators interjecting—

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! Senator Pocock, resume your seat. Order! Senator Watt.

Senator McKenzie interjecting—

In your own time, Senator McKenzie. I'm standing. Senator Pocock, I reminded the Senate at question 11 that questions would be heard in silence. I have reminded the Senate most of the afternoon that I want respect in this place in line with the motion that we moved earlier in the week. You stood up to ask a question and you had to have a go. If you have a question, ask it of Minister McAllister as you outlined.

David Pocock (ACT, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thought I was pointing out a fact, but—

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Pocock, please resume your seat.

Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Environment and Water) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would ask Senator Pocock to withdraw his remarks, given that, due to his actions, Labor senators were prevented from asking questions on behalf of their state. Perhaps he could withdraw his imputation.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Watt, that is a debating point. Senator Pocock, please continue with your question.

David Pocock (ACT, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, how many GP practices in the ACT have signed up to MyMedicare and expressed interest in bulk-billing all services from 1 November?

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

I thank Senator Pocock for the question. As you know, I think, Canberra has quite longstanding issues with GP availability, and it is in fact on that basis that the government has acted to try and establish arrangements so that Canberrans and people in the ACT can attend bulk-billing services. Indeed, Labor's healthcare plan for the ACT will deliver a $24.3 million package to deliver three new fully bulk-billed GP practices with a $10½ million bulk-billing GP attraction initiative to attract new general practitioners to Canberra to address these issues, which are, as you know, longstanding.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Pocock, first supplementary?

David Pocock (ACT, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Minister. I really appreciate the additional investment in GPs and the acknowledgement that we have one of the lowest bulk-billing rates in the country. But I'm interested in how many GP practices in the ACT have signed up to MyMedicare and expressed interest to fully bulk-bill from 1 November.

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

As I've indicated, we are determined to restore bulk-billing for Australians, and we recognise the challenges in the ACT. It is why we are making the investments that I referred to in my answer to your primary question. We understand that this matters.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Second supplementary, Senator Pocock?

David Pocock (ACT, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Again, Minister, I really welcome the additional investment. Maybe I can take from your answer that no clinics have signed up to MyMedicare to fully bulk-bill from 1 November. Can the government explain why bulk-billing for ultrasounds, MRIs and CTs has roughly halved in the ACT over the past year?

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

In relation to the first part of Senator Pocock's question, no; he cannot assume that. He should not assume that on the basis of my answer. Again, I refer Senator Pocock to the challenges that we are facing right across the country, but particularly in the ACT, in relation to access to bulk-billed services. We, on this side of the chamber, understand that that requires a response. It's on that basis that we went to the election with an $8½ billion investment to lift bulk-billing and to lift access to bulk-billing services. There is a great deal to do to restore the damage that was done by those opposite over their period in government when they sought to rip the heart out of funding for Medicare.

Josh Dolega (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to ask a question on behalf of the people of the great state of Tasmania regarding restoring trust in the Australian Public Service.

Leave not granted.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Ruston?

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm seeking some direction from you as the chair. In the motion that was moved yesterday in relation to the changes for question time as a result of the government refusing to comply with the orders of the Senate, part (d)(ii) said:

… the maximum number of primary questions that may be asked by government senators is two on Monday and three on any other day …

Today the government has asked three questions in question time, and I'm seeking your direction as to why you are continuing to give the call to the government.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Ruston, I am very surprised you would ask that question, because any senator is free at any time to seek leave, and that is what they are doing. I believe Senator Dolega sought leave. He's been denied.