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

Today I rise to draw attention to the conspicuous silence from those opposite about one of the first policy proposals to be put by the new leader of the Liberal Party in South Australia, Vincent Tarzia. On this side of the chamber we know that South Australians expect quality, accessible and affordable health care, and they need it when they need it, not worrying about what they may have to pay for it. One of the utmost duties of the government is to provide certainty and care for the people of this country. It should be above politics. People should have the confidence that it's going to be there when they need it. But that's not the case. That's not what's happening here.

One of the first policy proposals to come out of the new Tarzia-led Liberal Party came straight from the mouth of the shadow assistant minister to Mr Tarzia, Adrian Pederick. Let me quote what he said:

… if there was a gap fee for people turning up to emergency who did not get admitted, I think you would see a drastic reduction in people attending emergency departments.

That's not the first time we've seen this kind of commentary from the Liberal Party across the country. Let's not forget that it was the former health minister, Mr Dutton, who wanted Australians to pay a patient tax when they went to the GP. He's the same health minister, by the way, who was voted the worst health minister in Australia's history.

What do the Liberal Party actually care about? Do they care about the cost of living, or is this just a wedge they are using? Do they care about accessible health care, or is it just smoke and mirrors? Fundamentally, let's hear you condemn Tarzia's tax, let's hear you condemn Dutton's tax, and let's support South Australians and all Australians' health care. (Time expired)