Mr Jenkins asked the Minister for Health and Ageing, in writing, on 6 December 2004:

(1) What was the date of the decision to offer the Victorian State Government Commonwealth involvement in the funding of the after-hours medical care service co-located at the Northern Hospital and when was it announced.

(2) What are the details of the Commonwealth's involvement and are there any conditions or requirements being sought by the Commonwealth in relation to the funding.

(3) What sum will be provided by the Commonwealth.

(4) Is the Commonwealth's contribution a single grant or will it provide ongoing funding.

(5) Who will be the auspice of the after-hours medical care service.

Mr Abbott (Minister for Health and Ageing) —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

(1) The date of the decision to offer the Victorian State Government Commonwealth involvement in the funding of the after-hours medical care service co-located at the Northern Hospital was 12 August 2004. This decision was announced on 13 August 2004.

(2) Through its 2004-05 Budget initiative: GP services - improving after hours access, the Australian Government intends to provide exemptions under subsection 19(2) of the Health Insurance Act 1973 on a time limited case by case basis for up to 10 after-hours GP clinics to be set up with assistance from the states.

The issuing of such an exemption under subsection 19(2) of the Health Insurance Act 1973 to establish a clinic at the Northern Hospital is subject to a number of conditions related to, for example, compliance with obligations under the Australian Health Care Agreements and arrangements for monitoring and review, including reporting to the Health Insurance Commission.

An additional requirement is that the Northern Hospital clinic be operated under independent private arrangements and be able to demonstrate the support of local general practitioners, expressed through the local Divisions of General Practice.

(3) The Australian Government will provide a one-off sum of $50,000 per clinic towards establishment costs. The Australian Government will also ensure patients access to Medicare Benefits Schedule through an exemption under subsection 19(2) of the Health Insurance Act 1973.

(4) See (3).

(5) Advice from Victorian Department of Human Services is that the auspice of the after-hours medical care service is the Northern Division of General Practice.