Health Legislation Amendment (Improved Medicare Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025

Senator McALLISTER (New South Wales—Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme) (12:55): I don't agree with many of the propositions that are embedded in your question, Senator Roberts. I think I've been really clear about the purpose of the bill, or at least the elements which you're asking me about now. Your very first question was: why do we need these additional provisions and abilities for the TGA?

The answer is: from time to time we see shortages arise, where interventions are required to protect the interests, particularly the health interests, of Australian consumers. We want to make sure that the TGA has the capacity to manage these kinds of shortfalls.