Sussan Ley (Farrer, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Women) Share this | Hansard source

I rise on behalf of over 800 of my constituents from the town of Corowa. This community is like so many across Australia, struggling under a Labor government that has the wrong priorities and is making the wrong decisions. The last thing Corowa needed was to lose their bulk-billing GP clinic. Corowa Mediclinic closed in December, declaring their business unsustainable with a lack of external support and medical staff. This was devastating for hundreds of mainly older patients, many now forced to, hopefully, find a doctor in Albury, a 90-minute round trip away.

Unfortunately, in this place, the shutdown is no surprise. Despite those opposite happily parroting their 'party of Medicare' mantra, it's a false reality. Last month, a study found bulk-billing in retreat, and out-of-pocket costs up $40 on average. Cleanbill's Blue Report says that almost 80 per cent of available Australian GP clinics no longer offer bulk-billing to adult patients. Delivered with the petition of 800 signatures was a request to review support, reimbursement and staff retention strategy for country practices. I'm pleased to say this is all possible—we just need a change of government. The coalition has already announced a $400 million commitment to incentivise junior doctors to train in general practice to help fill shortages. We've also pledged support to help recruit and retain healthcare workers to ensure Corowa—indeed, all Australians—have access to timely and affordable health care, no matter where they live.

See this speech in context