Carina Garland (Chisholm, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Recently, we celebrated the 40th anniversary of Medicare—a proud Labor legacy. This Labor government is protecting and strengthening Medicare, because we care about the health of all Australians.

By tripling the Medicare rebate, we've ensured that it's easier and cheaper to see a doctor. In Chisholm, this has resulted in hundreds of extra bulk-billing services and patient savings approaching $20,000 in only two months. Across Victoria, this has resulted in more than 71,000 extra bulk-billing services and close to $3 million in savings. I'm also pleased to say that Chisholm very nearly tops the nation for the most 60-day dispensing scripts in Australia. That's almost 25,000 scripts benefiting patients in my electorate and putting money back into their pockets.

I know from community feedback that these changes are making a big difference in my community. And Australians know that it's only Labor who will protect Medicare. As the local member, I will always be its champion in Chisholm.

See this speech in context