Karen Grogan (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. Under the Liberals and Nationals, there was a decade of neglect and mismanagement of our healthcare services. The Liberals and the Nationals deliberately ran down Medicare and general practice, and made it harder and more expensive to see a doctor, particularly in outer suburbs and regional and rural communities. As a direct result, people were forced to present at emergency departments—because they had no other alternatives. How is the government making it easier for Australians to see a doctor, and how are we taking pressure off our hospitals?