Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Assistant Minister for Health) Share this | Hansard source

I reject that. That is quite clearly not the only policy. The major policy that the senator has refused to indicate is the fact that this government has a policy—unlike those on the crossbenches—of making the health-care system sustainable. Those on the other side of the chamber might not care about economic responsibility. The Greens—when they were in partnership with the previous Labor government—left us a trajectory of debt of $667 billion. Our policy will, indeed, include economic responsibility—and that includes ensuring we make absolutely sure the health policy delivers a sustainable nature to this nation.

We are prepared to take that responsibility. The minister has indicated she will continue to consult. She has done so widely—broad ranging—up until this point in time, which has been very well received by the sector—indeed, by those right across the profession. She will continue to do so, so that we ensure that we get health policy right. (Time expired)