Senator McCARTHY (Northern Territory—Minister for Indigenous Australians) (14:19): Thank you, President. I'm always happy to talk about Medicare, but, as you have rightly pointed out, in terms of the tax side of things I will refer to Senator Gallagher. When we came to government in 2022, it had never been harder or more expensive to find a doctor. As you know, President, bulk-billing was in freefall after a decade of cuts and neglect to Medicare, and that's why strengthening Medicare was a key focus of our election platform. In just two years we have delivered more doctors and more bulk-billing, and opened 87 Medicare urgent care clinics. Senator Reynolds: It's gone down— Senator McCARTHY: Have you been to any of the urgent care clinics? I'd be interested to know if anyone opposite has actually been to any of the urgent care clinics. The PRESIDENT: Minister McCarthy, please resume your seat. Senator Waters? Senator Waters: Just a point of order— Senator Watt interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Watt! I've got Senator Waters on her feet. Senator Waters: I was specifically asking about dental care. The PRESIDENT: You will recall that the substantive part of the question was about tax. You did reference Medicare. I've invited the minister to respond, so she is free to respond in that way. Minister, please continue. Senator McCARTHY: I do appreciate that the senator's question is in regard to the dentist, but let's also point out that that is also in reference to Medicare and the use of Medicare. I think it is important to point out that in November 2021, six months before the last election, the financial viability of general practice was in serious trouble after the coalition's six-year freeze on Medicare rebates. That started when Peter Dutton was health minister—$6.1 billion invested to strengthen Medicare in the 2023 budget. Senator Ruston: Point of order: the minister must not mislead the Senate. The PRESIDENT: Senator Ruston, that's a debating point, and you know that well. Minister McCarthy, please continue. Senator Ruston interjecting— Senator Wong interjecting— The PRESIDENT: I didn't hear, Minister Wong, but I will ask her— Senator Wong: You can't say that. I know you might be trying to— The PRESIDENT: Thank you, Minister Wong. Senator Ruston, I didn't hear the comment, but in the interests of the chamber I ask you to withdraw. Senator Ruston: In the interests of the chamber, I withdraw. The PRESIDENT: Thank you, Senator Ruston, I appreciate that. Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! If there was more order in the chamber I would hear these things. Minister McCarthy, please continue. Senator McCARTHY: Just let me finish there. In the last two years we have delivered the two largest increases to Medicare rebates in 30 years and we have increased Medicare rebates by more in just two years than the former government did in nine long years. Our government is working in partnership with states and territories to develop a new national oral health plan for the next 10 years. This will include goals to improve the oral health status of Australians and reduce inequalities. (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Waters, first supplementary?