Senator MURPHY (5:22 PM) —I would like to say a few words about the Health Insurance Amendment (100% Medicare Rebate and Other Measures) Bill 2004, which I support. I have reservations similar to those expressed by the opposition and some other senators, but I think it appropriate to correct the record in respect of the contribution made by Senator Barnett, who seemed to want to congratulate himself and the government for things they did not really do.

Senator MURPHY —I note Senator Kemp is in the chamber and his cries in protection of Senator Barnett. It is a bit disappointing that a senator would choose to come in here and try to lay claim to things that they did not actually do. It is also a bit dishonest. Senator Barnett thanked the government for the introduction of the $7.50 incentive payment for Tasmania, which is paid across Tasmania as a region. It is the only state or territory in the country to receive that payment. It was not a government initiative but Senator Harradine in particular and other Independents who pushed for this particular incentive. He was supported by the other two Independent senators and me in negotiation with the government to improve—albeit probably only slightly, but we did seek improvements—what was known then as MedicarePlus.

Senator Barnett went on to talk about the $12 million for the medical school. The $12 million for the medical school was actually negotiated with the government through another bill—that is, the higher education bill—and again it was the Independent senators who brought on the $12 million for the medical school in Tassie, and it was a very good move. Senator Barnett went on to say that we now have an extra doctor in the West Tamar region, north of Launceston. Of course, we know that the previous Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Patterson, and what was known as the Rural, Remote and Metropolitan Areas index, which applied then, were immovable. Indeed, Senator Barnett argued in the local press in Launceston that the RRMA index scheme was there to stay and that to get an extra doctor down at Exeter, in the West Tamar region, we had to have some other form of innovative thinking. When Mr Abbott became the minister, I in particular negotiated with him and he at least was able to grasp the nettle about the stupidity of the RRMA scheme. Senator Barnett could not. He argued that this was the scheme and that it was there to stay. As I said, it is a little dishonest to come in here and suggest that somehow he and the government have brought about this change.

Senator Kemp —That's a bit of sour grapes.

Senator MURPHY —Sour grapes it ain't, Senator Kemp. The reality is that I do not mind people laying claim to fame for things they have actually done and being honest about it. But do not try to lay claim to things you have not done or that you have played no real part in, and that is the point here—including those things that this bill will bring about such as the inclusion of allied health services and dental treatment for the chronically ill. The Medicare safety net is another thing that I think Senator Barnett mentioned. When I refresh my memory about MedicarePlus, I think the safety net was set at levels of $1,000 and $500. They were lowered substantially at the insistence of Independent senators in this chamber, and the government agreed to that.

Senator McGauran —You've all done so much!

Senator MURPHY —Through you, Madam Acting Deputy President, I say to Senator McGauran that we did a sight more than you did. You actually supported MedicarePlus as it stood, as you will do with a whole range of other legislation. When 1 July comes to pass next year you will have a chance to stand up and be counted in this chamber and to actually demonstrate whether The Nationals have any capacity to act in defence of those people who live in the rural and remote areas in this country and to genuinely demonstrate that you stand apart from the government, albeit that you are in coalition with it. You can do that. I will watch with interest to see whether you in particular Senator McGauran make any speeches against any government proposals you might disagree with.

The Health Insurance Amendment (100% Medicare Rebate and Other Measures) Bill does make some improvements, and I support it for that reason. But there is a long way to go in the medical debate in this country. I hope that, at some point in time, we will come up with a health policy that will deliver better outcomes.

A point about specialists was raised by Senator Forshaw. There is another very important aspect to specialist treatments and that relates to the cost of medical supplies and the replacement parts, for want of a better description, which are used and which are fully covered by Medicare. I noted with interest the cost of a small stainless steel screw used, I think, in a prosthetics operation. It was a ridiculous cost for such a small piece of equipment that was fully covered, yet when we look at the amount of time and training that specialists have and the amount they are paid and the process of allowing what is a recoverable cost under Medicare there are discrepancies there that we need to have a serious look at.

This might be a challenge for Senator McGauran. He might like to do a bit of research and look at those problems, and maybe he might be able to convince the government that something needs to be done, because there is something that needs to be done. Again, I will watch with interest to see whether the National Party have got any intestinal fortitude when it comes to standing up to the government—

Senator McGauran —We are the government.

Senator MURPHY —That is an interesting comment: `We are the government.' We will watch with interest, because you do not present yourself to the public as the government. You say you are there to stand up for country people. I hope, Senator McGauran, that you will be able to do that after 1 July next year.