Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you very much, Senator Polley, again for your interest in health care, because we know those opposite weren't interested when they were in government, and they're certainly not interested now. The government is determined to strengthen Australia's health system after a decade of neglect, and this government has been pursuing priorities through National Cabinet by working with states and territories. Remember that the former government never really were able to work with states and territories but liked to pick fights with them? We're working with states and territories to make sure that these urgent care clinics can be delivered in a seamless way, that they're integrated, that they support general practice, that they work with the hospital system and, most importantly, that people who need to access health care out of hours—on the weekend, when their kids get sick or break their arm and there aren't any other options available—can do so. This government is backing you by funding urgent care clinics to make sure that they are available to meet your health needs.