Gladys Liu (Chisholm, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

The Morrison government has been at the helm of Australia's leadership while going through the most significant health crisis we have seen in modern history. Many countries have taken a big hit throughout this crisis. They have suffered major casualties and seen their healthcare systems fail. It is with pride that I can say that, with the Morrison government steering the ship that is Australia, we have avoided the treacherous waters that many other countries have strayed into.

While we have managed the COVID-19 health crisis with aplomb, health was always a priority for this government prior to the pandemic. The Morrison government has always recognised the importance of ensuring Australians have access to mental health resources and support. Our government is leading the way on mental health reform by investing a record $2.3 billion in the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan. Based on the principles of prevention, compassion and care, the plan will invest $1.3 billion in high-quality and person-centred treatment, including $820.1 million for a national network of mental health centres for adults, youth and children through the Head to Health and headspace programs. For a long time Australians were so focused on their physical health that they didn't recognise the effect mental health could have on their quality of life. Under the Morrison government this has changed for the better. We care for the mental health of Australians, and we are making significant and meaningful reform to improve the mental health of all Australians.

Our healthcare system is envied across the world. We have an efficient and effective public health system that works for Australians and caters for all. It does not just reduce the cost of seeing a doctor or getting necessary surgery. It also includes the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, a scheme that sees the government heavily subsidise life-saving medication for those in need. Astoundingly, since 2013 the Australian government has approved more than 2,677 new or amended medicine listings on the PBS for an overall investment by the government of $13.2 billion. This represents an average of around 30 listings or amendments per month, or one a day. I say it's an investment because that's exactly what it is. Unlike the Labor Party, the Morrison government sees these new listings as an investment in Australians. The Australian people deserve it and the Morrison government will, as it always has, deliver on its promises to the public.

By comparison, Labor stopped listing medicines in 2011. In the 2011-12 portfolio budget statements, it explained that the listing of some medicines would be deferred until fiscal circumstances permitted. On 25 February 2011 Labor announced the unprecedented deferral of the listing of a number of medicines under the PBS, including medications for the treatment of schizophrenia and the treatment of endometriosis. This tells me that they care little for the mentally ill and the women of this country. Labor could not manage the economy and chose to compromise on the health—

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