Helen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Bulk-billing is on the top in Australia in that it is rising, and no example is better than that of Tasmania. The increase means that more Australians—in particular, more Tasmanians—can see a GP, as they don't need to worry about any out-of-pocket costs, making health care fairer and more accessible for everyone. In fact, as I said, Tasmania is leading the way. We have more doctors bulk-billing than ever before—greater access to GPs—and we are working together with our urgent care clinics, relieving the pressure on our hospital systems. What we are seeing is better outcomes for Tasmanians.

What we do recall, what we do remember, is that there is a very different focus from this Labor government under Anthony Albanese than there was when those people opposite were in government. And what did they want to do when it comes to Medicare and with health care in this country? They had a plan to have a GP tax. They are the party of tax, just as they took to the last election. After 42 years of great success with Medicare, Australians now are better off because of the Labor government, and they know that they can always rely on Labor to deliver better health outcomes. (Time expired)