Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator. Yes, we on this side of the chamber understand that regional development isn't just about investing in our roads or infrastructure; it's also about investing in our people and enhancing service delivery. When we came to office, people in regional towns couldn't get in to see their local GP. After a decade of neglect, we know we can't fix this overnight, but we're getting on with the job. Our landmark investments to strengthen Medicare have seen an additional 2.2 million bulk-billed visits in regional and rural areas since November last year. Would you like me to repeat that? That's a pretty significant number.

A government senator: Yes, repeat it.

That's 2.2 million bulk-billed visits in regional and rural areas since November last year. We are getting more doctors where we need them most by waiving HECS fees for health practitioners— (Time expired)