QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator GALLAGHER (Australian Capital Territory—Minister for Finance, Minister for the Public Service, Minister for Women, Minister for Government Services and Manager of Government Business in the Senate) (14:25): I thank Senator Grogan for the question. I think all Australians acknowledge that health care and access to health care, and affordable health care, is a No. 1 priority for all of us.

It has been a focus for the Albanese government and it is a key part of our ability to provide additional cost-of-living support whilst we deal with the inflation challenge across the economy—investments in urgent care clinics, investments in Medicare and tripling of the bulk-billing rate. We're already seeing the good and positive data coming out of that, with more and more Australians being able to access bulk-billing.

Hospitals are an important part too. We've reached agreement with the states and territories, have provided that additional investment and have been able to fund that, making sensible provisions for an agreement like that within MYEFO. It's because of the approach we've taken—to find savings, to reduce waste, to pay down debt, to deliver surpluses, to lower the deficits—that we're allowed to make these important investments.

(Time expired)