QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator McALLISTER (New South Wales—Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme) (14:57): Cochlear implants are currently funded for implantation through state and territory public hospital systems. The government acknowledges that access to ongoing replacement or upgraded sound processes isn't consistently subsidised across jurisdictions. Eligible Australians may access cochlear implant processor upgrades— Senator Ruston: Your minister told them to use their private health insurance.

Senator McALLISTER: through the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Over-65s will still receive significant government subsidised discounts— Senator Ruston: Do you know about this letter? Would you like me to table it?

The PRESIDENT: Senator Ruston. Senator McALLISTER: of up to 24 per cent on the premiums private health insurance charges them—the same as the rest of the population. Under the— The PRESIDENT: Senator Ruston?

Senator Ruston: A point of order on relevance—I was actually talking about a letter that the minister had written. I'm happy to table that letter for this chamber if you'd like me to. The PRESIDENT: Senator Ruston, you have been constantly interjecting.

I called you on that point and asked you to come to order. There is not a point of order. I will continue to listen closely to the minister.

Senator McALLISTER: Under the proposed changes, all Australians will now receive the same private health support based on their income, not their age. The PRESIDENT: Senator Ruston, second supplementary?