Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Assistant Minister for Health) Share this | Hansard source

In answer to the question, the fellow is entitled to his views—Dr Whitehead is entitled to his views. We have been very clear: there have been some changes to the budget when it comes to health. There has been a requirement for a co-payment—indeed, supported by the shadow Assistant Treasurer and initially supported by the previous leader of the Labor Party and previous Prime Minister Bob Hawke. So we have been very clear. We have made these decisions because it is this government that is going to ensure a sustainable health system. When we are looking at potentially spending $34 billion on the MBS, this government is the one that recognises that we need to make the responsible decisions to have a sustainable health system.