Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

I agree with you, Senator Smith: it is a beautiful state. Strengthening Medicare provides us with a foundation to rebuild primary health care after a decade of neglect and cuts. This won't happen overnight, but we've begun the task of delivering the improvements that are so badly needed. We've introduced a new Medicare rebate for GP consultations of 60 minutes or longer, giving patients a rebate of $191.20 and doctors the time to provide better care for people with complex conditions. We are making vital medicines cheaper to millions of Australians, and South Australians are saving $12 million since 1 January this year. And we have opened 36 Medicare urgent care clinics around the country, including five across South Australia, with Marion and Elizabeth clinics now up and running. (Time expired)