Medicare overhaul blueprint, health and housing top national cabinet agenda in pre-budget meet
A blueprint to overhaul the beleaguered Medicare system is set to be outlined at national cabinet. Here’s what we know so far.
QLD News
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A blueprint to overhaul the beleaguered Medicare system is set to be outlined at Friday’s meeting of national cabinet as state and territory leaders converge in Brisbane a fortnight before the federal budget.
The Albanese government’s response to the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce report, first presented to national cabinet in February, will include funding to improve access to after-hours general practice care.
State and territory leaders were set to converge on Brisbane on Thursday evening in the lead up to the second in-person national cabinet held outside Canberra, and the first since the election of New South Wales Premier Chris Minns.
Less than a fortnight out from the federal budget, healthcare and housing were expected to top the agenda, with NDIS and the federal government’s migration reboot also on the list.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to outline the federal government’s chosen blueprint to overhaul Medicare in the aftermath of the taskforce’s report, which recommended the introduction of a “blended” funding model.
The report recommended overturning the fee-for-service system of providing Medicare rebates for single episodes of care, and introduce supplemental flexible block funding for preventive care and chronic disease management.
The government had set aside $750m in the October mini-budget to “address areas of critical need”.
Health Minister Mark Butler confirmed part of the funding will head to shoring up after-hours access care through primary health networks, keeping the program stream alive past June 30.
“Being able to access a doctor after hours is critical for patients to get what they need, when they need it, taking the pressure off hospitals,” he said.
It comes after the federal government this week confirmed it would double prescription supplies to 60 days for a long list of medicines in a shake-up of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Mr Albanese said he was “very confident” the national cabinet meeting would “provide a framework for a better future for our federation”.
His comments build on those of Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil, who flagged the need for state and territory co-operation as “crucial” to getting Australia’s migration settings rights.
“The fact that there is no genuine mechanism for us to plan for population changes, as a country, is a bit startling,” she said.
“(When) national cabinet meets, the Prime Minister will begin a conversation about how we could work together, as a federation, to plan better for housing, services and infrastructure.”
Mr Albanese used his time in Brisbane on Thursday to open a new automated Coles distribution facility, and speak to the President of Nauru Russ Kun about the two nations’ “shared priorities for regional security, climate resilience and regional connectivity”.
Originally published as Medicare overhaul blueprint, health and housing top national cabinet agenda in pre-budget meet
Who are the power players? What are the deals? Qld’s minor parties explained
Queensland’s state election is set to be far more complex than a battle between Labor and the LNP. Meet the ‘minor parties’ making big moves.
50 a day: Worst places in Qld for attacks on health workers
Queensland health workers are being subjected to 50 acts of physical, verbal or online abuse a day, with violent incidents increasing in nearly every region across the state.