Claire Clutterham
Sturt · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“Some in this House have asked: how many cups of coffee can you buy with the Albanese Labor government's 1 July 2026 tax cuts? But I ask: how many cups of coffee can you buy with the money that you save from seeing a GP for free?”
“The eSafety Commissioner has identified serious compliance concerns and is actively investigating five major platforms due to their noncompliance.”
“But we need action from the entire parliament, in this place and in the other place, for that to happen. I call on all members and senators to walk together to take this action. I do that because this issue is also deeply personal for me. In my first speech to this parliament, I spoke about my own experience of bullying at school.”
“One of the early scenes in the 2010 movie The Social Network depicted young women at Harvard recoiling in disgust as they discover a website created by one of their peers that allowed male students to compare them based on their so-called 'hotness'. The website was a precursor to what would become Facebook.”
“Social media is a part of the world they have always known, yet they were remarkably forthright about its downsides. They spoke about algorithms that keep them scrolling, the pressure to seek approval through likes and followers, and the impact social media was having on their confidence, self-esteem and mental health.”
“That is why keeping children safe online should be a bipartisan issue. When the Albanese Labor government introduced the social media minimum age of 16 last year, we did so because we listened to parents, educators, experts and young people.”
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“In May 2025, I joined the federal health minister at Repromed on Fullarton Road in my electorate of Sturt to make critical announcements in relation to women's health: for the first time in 30 years, new categories of contraceptives would be listed on the PBS. That's 30 years. Slinda, a contraceptive that, for some women, is their only option, was listed on the PBS, reducing the prohibitive cost of over $300. We know that, thanks to this government's cheaper medicines legislation, that cost will reduce even further to $25. On that same day, it was also announced that Pergoveris, a fertility drug, would be listed on the PBS too, making it more affordable for women and their partners wanting to start or expand a family.”
“Designed to promote the efficient and effective use of tribunal resources, with a focus on reviewing decisions about contemporary actions, the amendments proposed by this bill are reasonable and appropriate.”
“Not only is contemporaneous evidence important in establishing a proper factual basis for making a decision, but reliance on and recourse to contemporaneous evidence builds trust and helps avoid bias, guesswork and conjecture. Verifiable and validated evidence backs up and supports the theory of the case being examined. The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal is unique to Australia. No other Commonwealth country has an independent review tribunal for their defence honours and awards decisions. Australia will continue to lead the way in ensuring this recognition is conducted in a transparent and fair manner which ensures public confidence in the system.”
“Recommendations made to government about a defence honour will be refocused on eligibility for the honour, rather than the current system of making broader recommendations regarding honours and awards, which is properly the scope of the tribunal if an inquiry is being conducted—a process that is unchanged by this bill. This bill will uphold the respect and integrity of the defence honours and awards system by removing the risks associated with making decisions in circumstances where it is impossible or at least incredibly difficult to refer to proper documentation or speak with decision-makers of the day. Evidence supporting eligibility is critical in promoting the integrity of the honours and awards system.”
“A further significant amendment prescribed by this bill that is designed to focus the tribunal's efforts on reviewing and validating contemporary evidence, where living witnesses can contribute to the review process, is the provision that a refusal decision relating to a length-of-service award will be reviewable up until the member has or would have turned 100 years old. The effect of this is that refusal decisions relating to some conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and other more historic conflicts, will no longer be reviewable by the tribunal.”
“The intent of this amendment is to correct this situation by ensuring that a decision regarding a previously cancelled defence honour, defence award or foreign award is not a reviewable decision. A cancellation decision in the first instance is given high levels of scrutiny, often relates to serious misconduct and is made by the Crown or the Crown representative. Accordingly, it is not appropriate for such decisions to be reviewable. To formalise transparency, which underpins several of the six recommendations made by virtue of the referral by the Senate to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee, this bill will also require the tribunal to prepare an annual report for tabling in parliament. The tribunal already voluntarily prepares an annual report, so this measure formalises the current practice.”
“So that progress, certainty and closure are achieved and to assure a more efficient and effective use of tribunal resources, the bill removes the ability for the tribunal to refer a decision regarding a defence award or foreign award back to the Department of Defence, although the tribunal retains the power to either affirm the original decision or set it aside and replace it with a new decision. The bill also clarifies that a decision regarding a previously cancelled defence honour, defence award or foreign award is not reviewable by the tribunal. A cancellation decision is already not reviewable under the Defence Act; however, under the current framework, a subsequent application relating to a previous cancellation decision is considered a reviewable decision.”
“This creates the uncertain situation where a review by the tribunal could be sought now for a decision to refuse a defence honour or award that was made sometime last century. This bill creates a reasonable and practical six-month time limit to seek such a review. The six-month timeframe is significantly longer than the usual period for seeking a review of a government decision by a tribunal, but that is appropriate in this case, as the timeframe reflects the fact that there could be a range of reasons why a person might need more time to prepare for and seek such a review. The tribunal will also be able to accept applications for a review beyond this timeframe in exceptional circumstances—for example, if an applicant has a serious health condition.”
“Firstly, the bill updates the time period for which the tribunal can review awards and honours recognition by limiting to those with a clear interest in such recognition those who are able to seek a review of Defence decisions regarding the conferral of awards and honours. This update is achieved by focusing the functions of such a review on eligibility. The amendments also modernise the operations of the tribunal, including in relation to the time allowed to seek a review of a Defence decision, so that the operations are better aligned with other contemporary review bodies. At present, no time limits apply on when a review by the tribunal can be sought after a refusal decision has been made by Defence.”
“On 3 July 2024, the Senate referred an inquiry into the defence honours and awards system to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee, which tabled its report in June 2025. It produced six recommendations in relation to a range of issues, including a review of part VIIIC of the Defence Act 1903 to improve the tribunal's review functions but complement its continued operational independence. To assist the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal in their review function, this bill amends the jurisdiction of the tribunal as set out in the Defence Act in a number of productive ways.”
“Typically, a minimum of 12 months is required for an inquiry to be finalised. With respect to the review function, the scope of the current legislation is broad. It enables reviews of decisions for actions since 1939—85 years ago—and does not limit who can apply for a review. Understandably, given the passage of time since 1939, both the Department of Defence and the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal have identified issues with sourcing appropriate evidence that is relevant to a decision to confer an award when witnesses and many of the commanders and other participants of the day are no longer available to establish a definitive record of what took place.”
“Then the inquiry commences with a national call for submissions to address the terms of reference that have been established. Submissions might contain facts, opinions, arguments or recommendations. Public hearings are then convened, and some submitters—be they individuals or representatives from a group or an organisation—may be invited to give oral evidence to the tribunal to assist it in its deliberations. There are no time limits for inquiries. The time that is required is dependent on a range of specific factors relevant to the inquiry, including the breadth of the terms of reference, the number of submissions received in response to those terms and the number of people called upon to give oral evidence to the tribunal to assist it with its independent deliberations.”
“This Defence Amendment (Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal) Bill 2025 would operate to amend the arrangements that affect the first function of the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal, that being the review function, to address these concerns and to make the tribunal more fit for purpose. It is important to note that the Defence Amendment (Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal) Bill 2025 makes no changes to the process that is used for the inquiry function. This process is detailed and considered, remains unchanged and is underpinned by a broad approach to consultation. With respect to this function, if the government refers general eligibility issues relating to defence honours and awards to the tribunal for inquiry, terms of reference are established and they are published on the tribunal's website.”
“The review function involves the tribunal considering what is called a reviewable decision, as defined in the Defence Act. Decisions are reviewable if certain relevant conditions are satisfied, those being that the decision is or was a refusal to recommend a person or a group of persons for different award categories in relation to eligible service. Eligible service is service in the Defence Force or service under the control of or at the direction of the Defence Force or a member of the Defence Force. The different award categories are defence honour, defence award or foreign award. The tribunal has now been operating for well over a decade; that means it is important to review its operations to ensure that it does remain fit for purpose and to ensure that any issues or concerns about its operations are considered and addressed.”
“Firstly, there is the review function, whereby individuals are able to apply to the tribunal for review of a decision regarding eligibility for an honour, defence award or foreign award. Secondly, there is the inquiry function, whereby the government can refer issues to the tribunal for inquiry and recommendation. With respect to the first function, the review function, the past 14 years saw the tribunal review over 350 individual decisions relating to defence honours, defence awards and foreign awards. With respect to the second function, the inquiry function, the tribunal has assisted the government to explore 30 unresolved, complex issues through this process. There is no suggestion that, in exercising these functions, the tribunal has acted with anything other than integrity, honesty and fairness.”
“Gallantry, distinguished service, campaign participation and long service are all celebrated and acknowledged pursuant to Australia's honours and awards system. The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal is an independent statutory body established under the Defence Act 1903 to consider matters relating to defence honours and awards. Following a decision of the Department of Defence regarding a person's eligibility for a defence honour, defence award or foreign award, a person is able to apply to the tribunal for an independent review of that decision. General award and honour eligibility issues can also be referred to the tribunal by the government for inquiry and recommendation. In short, the tribunal has two important functions.”
“I rise to speak on the Defence Amendment (Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal) Bill 2025. The Australian honours and awards system recognises the outstanding service and contributions of Australians who have served in the Australian Defence Force. Recipients of awards are granted insignia as a visual expression of the honour conferred on them, and there are guidelines for the order in which awards are worn, noting that many defence personnel have been the recipients of multiple awards. Defence honours and awards recognise the exceptional service, sacrifice and achievements of members of the Australian Defence Force and of veterans and reflect the bravery, merit and dedication so many current and former service personnel have demonstrated.”
“The 2025-26 appropriation bills seek to appropriate funding of $83.4 billion in Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026, $14.6 billion in Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026 and $195.1 million in Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026. If passed, these bills would provide appropriations of circa $98.2 billion, meaning a total annual appropriation of $195.4 billion, including supply acts. But an appropriations bill is more than just numbers on a page. It is a commitment to the people of Australia. It is a commitment to the people of our communities. For me, it's a commitment to my community of Sturt. These numbers translate election commitments into real outcomes, investing in the future of our communities and making a real difference in the lives of everyday Australians.”
“Establishing the Australian naval nuclear regulator will be a critical milestone occurring under the AUKUS trilateral partnership, AUKUS being a core pillar of the Albanese government's national security policy. More importantly, it is also expected to create more than 20,000 direct jobs over the next 30 years, including 4,000 jobs designing, building and equipping the facilities at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia, and a further 4,000-5,500 shipyard jobs will be created in South Australia to design, build and sustain the fleet once submarine production is underway. This is an example of the efficient and effective use of appropriated funds, because AUKUS is the biggest, most significant security partnership Australia has entered into in a century.”
“It goes without saying that both of these new non-corporate Commonwealth entities will play a critical role in the continued growth of Australia's defence industrial base, which means, in this context, growing the workforce and developing and cementing a sovereign supply chain. In particular, the establishment of the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator, which was subject to public consultation between 1 and 30 July 2025, allowed for the development of a framework that will ensure that the highest standards of nuclear safety and radiological protection are applied across the nuclear powered submarine program. Once established, the Australian naval nuclear regulator will operate within a national regulatory system that supports the safety of people, of the general public and, critically, of the environment.”
“An additional amendment which is being brought about by virtue of these bills is for direct appropriations to two new non-corporate Commonwealth entities, as that definition is understood within the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act. These are the Defence and Veterans' Services Commission, which is legislated to commence on 29 September of this year, and the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator, which is legislated to commence on 1 November 2025 at the latest. They are fully offset by reductions in the Department of Defence's annual appropriation.”
“The festival will hold its 70th anniversary celebration later this year, and I am assured by the lead organiser, Mr Dominic Zollo, that it will be bigger and better than ever and that the ever-present and controversial debate over whether the sweet zeppole or the anchovy zeppole is better will continue to rage. Further, my dear friends at the Altavilla club in Beulah Park, particularly club manager and self-appointed head chef Dom Repucci, will also be able to continue to serve delicious and well-priced meals to the elderly Italian community due to the commitment to install new, commercial-grade ovens. With these investments, the Albanese Labor government is ensuring that the heritage and culture of the Italian community of Sturt can continue to thrive well into the future.”
“The commitment I made to the Sicilia Social and Sports Club in Klemzig to install new, commercial-grade ovens and replace community dining tables means the Sicilia club, which is run by dedicated volunteers, will celebrate its 40th birthday on 25 October this year, producing even more delicious Italian food, and will ensure that it can continue its work of delivering community events, promoting culture and supporting local groups. I was also fortunate to join my friend the federal member for Makin, Tony Zappia, earlier this year to commit funding for the annual Festa della Madonna di Montevergine celebrated at the St Francis of Assisi Church in the suburb of Newton in the electorate of Sturt.”
“This is what election commitments are about, and this is what the Labor government is about: investing in communities and ensuring community and volunteer led and run organisations like Nonna's Cucina can keep thriving in our communities so they can keep contributing to our communities. I was also very proud to support Sturt's other multicultural communities and the contribution that they all make to the harmony, vibrancy and productivity of our country.”
“They predominantly service the Adelaide Italian community throughout the north, south and eastern parts of the electorate of Sturt. Quite rightly, Nonna's has been receiving support from the Commonwealth government for over two decades, and I was proud to make a further commitment to them which will go towards upgrading their new premises in Holden Hill. Nonna's Cucina is more than just a cafe; it's a community institution and it's a vital feature of South Australia's Italian heritage. I participate in monthly delivery runs with Nonna's Cucina, which is not only about meal delivery; it also provides an opportunity to conduct a welfare check on clients. This is an organisation worth volunteering for and an organisation very worthy of the commitment made towards its sustainability and its newer and larger premises.”
“Staying with sport, I was also proud to be able to commit to upgraded lighting and a new synthetic pitch for the mighty Campbelltown City Soccer and Social Club. I can't wait until club stalwart Don Leombruno is able to realise his vision for this family-friendly, growing and successful soccer club. The Albanese Labor government went to the 2022 election promising to lift the standard of aged care in Australia, and we are working hard to deliver on that commitment. A key part of this is ensuring that people can access the care that they deserve, whether that be in residential care or whilst still at home. Nonna's Cucina is a Sturt community based service run mostly by volunteers which provides home cooked, Italian-style meals to the aged and to people with disabilities and their carers.”
“As a huge Norwood Redlegs fan and a big supporter of the AFLW and SANFLW, I was very proud to announce an investment at the Norwood Football Club towards the long-overdue upgrade and renovation of the old, cold, outdated and, frankly, not fit for purpose female change rooms. Women's sport is growing rapidly in Australia, including in footy and at the highest, elite levels like the SANFLW, and the players deserve facilities that reflect their status as elite athletes competing in a high-performance environment. The Redlegs are ingrained in my community's history, and these upgrades mean that the women's team can continue to kick goals in a safe, new and fit-for-purpose environment, which is exactly what they deserve.”
“The project will include providing internal and accessible toilets, a larger hall floor space with better acoustics, kitchen functionality, more storage and better access overall. Foxfield Oval Hall is regularly used for events run by local sporting and community groups and has been the home of the Athelstone Table Tennis Club for more than 60 years. It's also used by the Athelstone Football Club, the Athelstone Cricket Club and a private boxing gym. But, built more than 60 years ago, this ageing facility does not meet current demand or accessibility requirements, and it's the improvement of these types of facilities which election commitments are firmly aimed at, because they are for the betterment of the community.”
“It is also a beautiful place for walkers, cyclists and runners like myself, and these upgrades will make it even better and safer, especially during the early mornings and evenings. Community spaces that promote mental and physical fitness and connection are important for overall community wellbeing. The Labor government is committed to building a stronger, healthier community, and I was very proud of this announcement. Community connection will also be facilitated through the upgrade of Foxfield Oval Hall in the suburb of Athelstone in the far-eastern part of Sturt, within the city of Campbelltown. The renovation will provide a fit-for-purpose space that can keep up with the growing community demand.”
“These commitments were diverse, covering culture, health care, sports and infrastructure, but all will have an enduring benefit to my community. As well as an urgent care clinic and a Medicare mental health centre for the people of Sturt, who worked with me in signing a petition to ensure the pledge regarding the urgent care clinic was made, the other commitments include a pledge to upgrade a section of Sturt's great Linear Park, located within the city of Port Adelaide Enfield, to include better lighting, fitness equipment and safer footpaths and bike tracks. Linear Park is a place comprised of multiple extensive outdoor green spaces for families and is much loved by those using the BBQ facilities, having a picnic or simply watching their children play on the many playgrounds dotted throughout the park.”
“Election commitments are an important part of election campaigns because they provide incumbents and candidates the opportunity to really connect with their communities, to listen to the needs of their communities, and to learn what projects and services might best serve those communities and be sustainable for the future. The task of then reviewing those commitments, of weighing those commitments up in order to get the balance right as to what the needs of the electorate are, and of determining the most efficient, effective and fair use of funding not only to the electorate but to the Australian taxpayer is challenging—but that's the job we're here to do. I was very proud to have been able to make several commitments to my great electorate of Sturt during the campaign.”
“To say that women's footy is thriving at the Glenunga Rams would be an understatement. I congratulate the coaches, umpires, parents, administrators, snack providers and other volunteers on what was an overwhelmingly successful day for the Glenunga Rams junior girls program, and I offer an even bigger congratulations to the players on their victory. There is nothing better than participating in a team sport, especially when you win a flag. Congratulations, players.”
“Sunday 31 August 2025 was grand final day in the South Australian National Football League junior competition. I am very pleased to report that the Glenunga Rams, located at Webb Oval in the electorate of Sturt, emerged as big winners, taking out the under-14 girls division 1 title and the under-12 girls division 1 flag. Firstly, the under-14 girls went back to back in a runaway 28-point victory over Marion. Kicking six goals and eight behinds, for a total 44, the team dominated right from the first whistle. Then the under-12 girls claimed the flag with a 20-6 victory over their fierce rivals, the Goodwood Saints. The success at the junior level followed the Glenunga Rams senior women's side, who took out the Adelaide Football League division 4 premiership with a 44-15 victory over the Modbury Hawks on 16 August 2025.”
“The prohibition on the advertisement of vapes as prescribed by this legislation is yet another measure the Albanese Labor government has designed with a specific purpose of protecting the health and wellbeing of young people in this great country. Medicare is a Labor creation and an Australian institution. It is the envy of the world. We know that Medicare works best, provides the healthcare support and services Australians need and deserve best and is funded most effectively and efficiently when shaped by integrity. Promoting integrity in the Medicare system is exactly what this bill does.”
“The federal government's action to outlaw the sale of vapes in a recreational or retail setting, meaning vapes can only legally be bought in pharmacies, had had a profound impact on the students of Charles Campbell College, on their learning and on their understanding of their own personal health and wellbeing. This, together with a series of information campaigns directed at young people to make sure they know the facts about vaping, know the harms that are caused by vapes and know the skills and methods to just say no to something so harmful to their health, had resulted in many students not only at Charles Campbell College but more broadly never having tried vaping and never having smoked a cigarette. The students I spoke to say that, following the education campaign, they were just not interested.”
“Of particular importance to me are the amendments that seek to harmonise the approach on advertising in the Tobacco Act and Therapeutic Goods Act in relation to e-cigarettes, otherwise known as vapes. Both acts prohibit the advertisement of vapes. These amendments reflect the changed approach to vaping goods following the introduction of vaping reforms and ensure the approach is harmonised. Earlier this year I visited the Charles Campbell College at Paradise in the electorate of Sturt to meet with the principal, Mr Kevin O'Neil, and talk to students about the impact of vaping reforms, which were aimed at limiting access.”
“The measures in the bill collectively improve powers to detect, respond to, investigate, disclose and deter misconduct, fraud and noncompliance and will support the ability to conduct efficient, timely and effective compliance activities. The overall effectiveness and efficiency of the government's compliance systems will be supported, and timely and proportionate responses to incorrect payments and fraud under health benefits schemes will be better facilitated. This legislation also encompasses amendments to the Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Act 2023, which are directed at clarifying the intended operation of the legislation, which commenced on 1 April last year.”
“The current powers in this respect were found to be so narrow that the proper exercise of functions to detect, investigate and refer fraud matters was compromised. The bill amends the National Health Act to improve the efficiency of the process by which the minister may exercise discretion to approve a pharmacist. This is achieved by combining the two stages of the current process into one stage, restricting repeat applications, allowing the minister to delegate the approval of a request form and increasing the term of appointment for Australian Community Pharmacy Authority members to three years. These amendments will reduce the administrative burden and support more timely access to pharmaceutical benefits.”
“Specific changes that this bill prescribes include a change in the timeframe during which Medicare claims for bulk-billed services may be made, from two years to one year. With respect to investigative powers across the legislative framework—including the National Health Act, the Health Insurance Act, the Human Services (Medicare) Act and the Dental Benefits Act—they were found to be inconsistent and fragmented, resulting in difficulty in identifying which powers of investigation might be used in relation to offences. Further, there were unnecessary restrictions on the ability to search with consent and on the retention of important evidence, which could have the consequence that matters requiring prosecution, such as a serious criminal fraud prosecution under the Criminal Code, might be compromised or unable to be prosecuted at all.”
“The Philip review identified the need for integrity activities to identify and respond to any actors in the system who are unintentionally or dishonestly obtaining payments and further noted that the systems underpinning health benefit schemes require changes to ensure they remain rigorous and effective. In addition the Philip review highlighted the need to ensure patient safety is the first and foremost consideration with respect to all aspects of health services. Although the measures this legislation introduces will only directly affect the small number of practitioners and businesses practising noncompliance and fraud, the measures will also mean that patients and practitioners can expect to benefit from better protected health benefit schemes.”
“I take the opportunity to share with this house that at this very moment around this great country Royal Flying Doctor Service planes are conducting aeromedical retrieval operations and that at this moment Royal Flying Doctor Service doctors, nurses, midwives and dentists are providing the finest care to the farthest corner, including remote communities in William Creek, Andamooka, Innamincka and Yunta, with planes taking off and landing at bases in Adelaide, Port Augusta and Alice Springs, transporting patients to where they need to go to receive the best health care that this country offers. Those working with the Royal Flying Doctor Service also form part of our national health system and, like Dr Goodson, are honest hardworking healthcare practitioners dedicated to their patients.”
“Prior to being elected to federal parliament as the member for Sturt I was a volunteer board director on the board of the Royal Flying Doctor Service for South Australia and the Northern Territory. In that role I saw firsthand how important it is for regional and remote Australians to be able to access health care and how important it is that sufficient doctors, nurses and midwives from regional locations are trained so they can return to their communities and contribute to the health and wellbeing of those who live there. An appropriately funded and operational Medicare system underpinned by honesty and integrity is important for Australians who live in cities, and an appropriately funded and operational Medicare system underpinned by honesty and integrity is equally important to Australians who live in regional and remote Australia.”
“Dr Goodson is also passionate about clinical education and acts as a supervisor to general practitioner registrars in her practice. Dr Goodson is a terrific example of general practitioners who put the healthcare needs of Australians first every day. Dr Goodson understands how precious Australia's Medicare system is and how important it is to ensure the Medicare system is underpinned by integrity and honesty, with taxpayer money used efficiently and effectively. Dr Goodson lives in my electorate of Sturt, which stretches across Adelaide's eastern border from Hope Valley in the south to Myrtle Bank in the north. My electorate is not regional or remote, but access to health care for regional and remote Australians is an issue close to my heart.”
“A general practitioner who lives in my electorate of Sturt, Dr Sian Goodson, is one of thousands of hardworking general practitioners dedicated to her craft and to serving the healthcare needs of Australians with passion and integrity. Dr Goodson, who is also chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in South Australia, originated from the UK and spent time training in hospital medicine and rheumatology before commencing a career in general practice in 2004. In 2013 Dr Goodson joined a family health clinic in Adelaide's northern suburbs, where she remains some 12 years later, having built strong and enduring relationships with her community and providing bulk-billed health care to her patients.”
“Commissioned in 2022, the Philip review examined Medicare compliance and integrity, leading to the establishment of the Medicare Integrity Taskforce in 2023-24. We know that the overwhelming majority of practitioners working to support Australians within our Medicare system are honest and prepared to work hard and take care to ensure compliance with Medicare rules. The Philip review, however, illustrated a need for integrity activities in order to identify and respond to those few practitioners working in the system who are unintentionally suffering from compliance failures and to identify and deal with those practitioners who are dishonestly obtaining payments. It is this very small group of practitioners participating in unintentional and deliberate noncompliance who will be affected by this legislation.”
“Critical to the motivation and necessity to strengthen Medicare is knowing that there are safeguards with respect to the taxpayer funds that reinforce it, and the Albanese Labor government is steadfast in its commitment to doing the work to ensure this. This legislation amendment amends several other pieces of legislation, being the National Health Act, the Health Insurance Act, the Human Services (Medicare) Act and the Dental Benefits Act. Its motivation in doing so is in response to complexities that affect the effective administration of health benefit schemes. These were highlighted by the Independent Review of Medicare Integrity and Compliance, which was undertaken by health economist Dr Pradeep Philip.”
“Medicare is a Labor creation. Just over 40 years old, it is an institution in this country, the system people rely on, day in and day out, so that they can access the health care that they need—so that they can see a general practitioner, so that they can see a specialist, so that they can have a life-saving or life-changing operation. Labor will always work to ensure the sustainability of Medicare, work to ensure it is fit for purpose and work to ensure it is never taken away or diminished. Medicare works best, Medicare provides the healthcare support and services Australians need and deserve, and Medicare is funded most efficiently and effectively when it is underpinned and shaped by integrity.”
“It is also open to providers to negotiate with participants to include costs and accommodation associated with travel to remote or very remote and regional locations. Additionally, remote loadings of 40 and 50 per cent remain unchanged, and this government will continue to work with regional, remote and rural communities to trial different and better ways of delivering essential services to Australians who need them.”
“The updated travel-claiming rules do encourage more efficient scheduling by providers and provide clear cost expectations. A similar motivation exists for the change to increment recording by providers. Displaying therapy price limits in 10-minute increments is intended to increase flexibility in billing and service delivery. It aims to clarify that one hour is not a default or expected service length and that the length of service can vary depending on the agreement between the participant—the beneficiary of the scheme—and the provider based on individual needs and circumstances, which, of course, may evolve. Other travel rules did not change, which means all providers may continue to claim non-Labor travel costs, such as vehicle running costs, parking costs and road tolls.”
“The updated travel-claiming rules create clear cost expectations for those persons, helping them to get increased value and efficiency from the funding provided to them. The new rules also encourage providers to implement more efficient scheduling and to seek to ensure that travel costs are proportionate to the services being provided. Travel costs must be itemised separately on invoices so that participants, the beneficiaries of the scheme, can clearly understand where the funding provided to them pursuant to the NDIS is being used. The NDIS and the NDIA learned during the annual price review that participants were finding that therapy travel costs were exhausting their funding faster than expected. In this respect, the needs of participants the NDIS is designed to fulfill were listened to and heard.”