Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

In response to Senator Cormann’s question to the Greens, I also want to seek confirmation from the government to see if my understanding is correct. Firstly, the reason why the Greens are moving the amendment in relation to the review is to be assured that there is no negative impact on the public hospital system—and, if there is, obviously the government need to address that, since they have given us an assurance that there will be no negative impact on the public hospital system. I understand from the government’s response to me previously in discussions on this, and in this chamber in discussions on the previous bill, that the government will be supporting the review and that, if the review does identify any negative impacts, they can be dealt with through the COAG funding agreement that they are currently negotiating with the states. There will be an ongoing relationship there. I understand that that is the process, and I would seek that clarification from the government.