QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator McALLISTER (New South Wales—Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme) (14:36): Senator Ruston refers to hallmarks. I think we understand very clearly what the hallmarks were of the previous government when it came to health, because it was the coalition, of course, that froze the private-health insurance rebate, increasing out-of-pocket costs for Australians.

It was the coalition that attempted to introduce— Senator McALLISTER: The senator asks about the hallmarks of health, and what I will say is that this government is determined to invest in public health, an $8½ billion investment in Medicare, so that public health is available for Australians when they need it. Senator McALLISTER: The government is determined to make the investments that are necessary for care for Australians, including older Australians, and it includes directing an additional $3 billion from the savings made by this initiative, a responsible— (Time expired)