Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

he could have risen in this House to add to the observations that I previously made. Let me return to the question asked. I want to make what the government is intending to do absolutely crystal clear. We are determined to protect and sustain our great Medicare system. We are determined this government will be, as the former Howard government was, the best friend that Medicare has ever had. Part of being the best friend that Medicare has ever had is protecting the vulnerable, including protecting bulk-billing for the vulnerable. And, yes, of course, we are determined to ensure that our Medicare system is as efficient and as effective as possible. Of course we want to ensure that, and the best way to do that is to work collegially with the medical profession. The best way to do this is to secure the backing of the medical profession—people who really care for their patients; people who want to ensure that we have the best possible health services. That is exactly what this government are doing. We are continuing to work with the medical profession about making our Medicare system even better in the future than it is today.

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