STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr GOSLING (Solomon) (13:31): The Albanese government's focus on strengthening Medicare has delivered both the Palmerston Medicare Urgent Care Clinic and now the Darwin Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, the latter of which opened last week. No appointments are required to get the urgent non-emergency bulk billed care that you need when you need it. It's extended hours, seven days a week, and it's taking the pressure off both the Royal Darwin Hospital and the Palmerston Regional Hospital.

The MUCC in Darwin has now seen over 300 patients in just over a week, 48 per cent under the age of 15. Thirty-three per cent came with acute injuries and 67 per cent with illness related presentations. Fifty-seven per cent of patients said they would have gone to the emergency department, the ED, if not for the urgent care clinic.

The average time from entry to exit is just 28 minutes—so good service quickly when Territorians need it. We've seen increasing word of mouth in response to the old question, 'How did you hear about the service?' Two people specifically mentioned they had heard about it from me speaking right here, so I'm happy to hear that. Pathways are also in place, with Danila Dilba Health Service, for urgent care for First Nations community members.

Culturally appropriate care is still available there, of course. We're also delivering increased parental leave, which will go up to 130 days from 1 July, and cheaper medicines, of course.