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

Senator McALLISTER (New South Wales—Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme) (13:28): I'll quickly indicate that the government does not support the amendment. In 1984, we introduced Medicare. You're right, Senator Hanson, we will continue to defend Medicare and to protect it, because it's based on a simple promise, which is that, if something goes wrong—if you get hurt, if you get sick or if you need help—you won't be on your own; Medicare will be there for you.

Our view is that we will get on with the job of strengthening Medicare. You really should only need your Medicare card if you need to see a doctor—not your drivers licence or your credit card but your Medicare card. It is on that basis that we oppose the amendment.