Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I would like to note at the outset that those people who care for and treat us are one of the major strengths of our health system and that more needs to be done to support them in their work. Since coming to office, the Rudd government has worked hard to build a strong, sustainable home-grown health workforce. We have backed clinical training to the tune of $1.1 billion, the biggest commitment to the health workforce ever by the Commonwealth. GPs will benefit from a simpler, more streamlined Medicare Benefits Schedule with higher payments for longer consultations. Bulk-billing rates are now among the highest they have ever been. Nurse practitioners and, of course, midwives will this year get access to the MBS and PBS for the first time. This will be delivered by the Rudd government after many years of delay by the former government. Comprehensive health reform is needed— (Time expired)