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

I thank Senator McLucas for her question. I know she has a deep interest in this area. This budget is the culmination of our reform agenda in the health area. It delivers a comprehensive, $7.3 billion, investment to deliver more doctors, more nurses, more hospital beds and more accessible health care in the community. Last night’s budget delivered a massive $1.2 billion boost to GP and primary healthcare services to deliver real improvements in front-line health services across Australia. The government will invest $417 million to establish a national network of Medicare Locals to coordinate care in the community and make it easier for patients to get the treatment they need when they need it, especially after hours.

We will invest $355 million to build around 450 GP superclinic type facilities. This commitment will lead to the construction of around 23 new, dedicated GP superclinics and the expansion of more than 400 existing general practices, community health centres and Aboriginal medical services around the country. This is also a budget for Australian nurses, with a $522 million commitment, which means patients will get better access to nurses when and where they need them. There will also be $390 million provided to support and recognise the work of practice nurses who will help take the pressure off GPs and provide additional services. There will be $103 million provided to support nurses working in aged care. There has also been $466 million committed to establish personally controlled electronic health records, which will allow Australians to check their medical histories online and allow the healthcare professionals to access their relevant history at the touch of a button. (Time expired)