Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

The government is committed to fundamental reform of Australia’s health system. And a large part of this is taking our use of technology into the 21st century. We will invest $392 million so that from 1 July 2011 patients can get an online consultation with their specialist if they live in rural, remote or outer-metropolitan areas. This will provide around 495,000 services over four years—495,000 services that those opposite should be supporting. Those from the National Party, from regional and rural Australia should be ashamed of yourselves. There will be 495,000 consultations for people who live in your electorates and you want to block it. (Time expired)