Mr LATHAM (2:14 PM) —My question is to the Prime Minister. Is the Prime Minister aware of comments made over the weekend by the President of the AMA, Dr Bill Glasson, that funding the pneumococcal vaccine is:

When will the government stop reviewing the vaccine and actually fund it? Our babies cannot wait any longer.

Mr ABBOTT (Minister for Health and Ageing) —The Leader of the Opposition is right to an extent. Certainly, funding the pneumococcal vaccine makes considerable sense. There is no doubt about that. Over the last three years, pneumococcal disease has killed five, nine and 10 Australians—not 50, as the Leader of the Opposition claims in accordance with his mendacious statement the other day. It is another figure made up by the Leader of the Opposition to try and score a political point.

The SPEAKER —The member for Lalor!

Mr ABBOTT —The fact is that this government does want to fund a pneumococcal vaccine—

The SPEAKER —Order! I had already drawn the member for Lalor's attention to her obligations and she immediately continued to interject. The minister has the call. He will be heard in silence as the standing orders provide.

Mr ABBOTT —The government do intend to supply a universal pneumococcal vaccine, but we are not going to write a blank cheque to any multinational drug company. Negotiations are continuing and the government are endeavouring to get the best possible price and the best possible access.