Alison Byrnes (Cunningham, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last month I had the opportunity to speak with local residents in the community of Bellambi about the Medicare urgent care centre that opened just last year in Corrimal. I heard firsthand so many stories about what a great experience our local residents were having at the Medicare urgent care centre, and it was making it easier for them to see a doctor when their loved ones needed urgent care.

I heard stories from local parents like Amy, whose daughter Lacy—who I gave a bit of a scare at the front door—had severe influenza, but, thanks to our Medicare urgent care centre, she was able to see a doctor immediately and get the antibiotics she needed rather than wait for hours at the emergency department. Local mum Stephanie told me that, thanks to the clinic, her son was able to get bulk-billed treatment for a sprained ankle using just her Medicare card, and they're looking forward to starting nippers at the Bellambi surf club.

From these experiences it is clear that the Albanese Labor government are providing better health care for our local families after a decade of cuts and neglect from those opposite. It is very clear that these clinics are a great solution to long waiting times in our emergency departments, and they are providing better care options for patients that are faster and close to home. The Medicare urgent care clinic was a commitment that I made to my local community, and I will keep working as part of the Albanese Labor government to deliver stronger and more affordable healthcare service for all families in the Illawarra.