Nicola Roxon (Gellibrand, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Health and Ageing) Share this | Hansard source

As I indicated, the government is happy to accept these recommendations and amendments from the opposition, particularly because they focus on circumstances where there are clinical grounds that require a doctor to have a preference for directing pathology referrals to a particular pathology provider. The important point from the government’s perspective is that the general rule and the general practice change, but there is protection where clinical circumstances might require a specific request to be made. I am also very happy to provide assurance to the shadow minister that we are committed to continuing to work with the providers and health professionals on the implementation of these changes. I am sure that many issues will continue to be discussed particularly between GPs and pathology providers about the way in which we can provide even better services to the community into the future. I urge the House to now agree to this amended bill.

Question agreed to.

Bill, as amended, agreed to.

See this speech in context