Health Insurance Amendment (Incentive Payments and Other Measures) Bill 2026

Senator McALLISTER (New South Wales—Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme) (13:23): I simply wish to respond briefly to the contribution made by Senator Ruston. You never, of course, want to let the facts get in the way of a good story! For example, as I've already indicated, the government has established a Strengthening Medicare Implementation Oversight Committee.

It is considering the broader reform program that does include workforce incentive and after-hours services matters. It has already provided advice to government. It has provided recommendations to government on incentive program reforms.

The government is committed to engaging with stakeholders. We engaged with stakeholders in the development of the bill that's before us at the moment, and we'll continue to do that. But we reiterate that that is best done in response to the actual matters, the actual policy questions, that are before the government at any time.

That's not enabled by a rigid statutory model. We don't consider it necessary, and we don't intend to vote for the amendment that has been circulated by Senator Ruston.