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

This government does accept that. We inherited a broken system, and, in 18 months, we have significantly addressed areas of pressure, whether it be in bulk-billing or urgent care clinics. Yesterday at National Cabinet there was an announcement of more investment in urgent care clinics, because the early signs are that they are working.

In relation to the hospitals, a very big outcome of yesterday's meeting with state premiers was about working with state premiers on extra investment in the hospital system, particularly in small jurisdictions like Tasmania and the ACT, where there are fewer options than in some of the bigger cities. Our commitment through National Cabinet, to be worked through over the coming months—through the Health Reform Agreement—is to invest more from the Commonwealth in hospitals and to work with jurisdictions to invest more in urgent care clinics, to ensure that people are getting access to free and accessible health care.