Healthcare Discussions in the House of Reps (31/07/2025)

Healthcare Issues

• Aboriginal Deaths in Custody: The topic of Aboriginal deaths in custody was prominently discussed, with Amanda Rishworth, MP for Kingston, highlighting the staggering figure of 602 First Nations deaths since the 1991 Royal Commission. She expressed community distress following the death of Kumanjayi White and emphasized the need for further action from states and territories regarding justice reforms (Pages 1-2). Rishworth noted ongoing government initiatives, including vigils and investments in housing and health specific to Indigenous communities.
• Julian Leeser’s Remarks: Julian Leeser, MP for Berowra, supported Rishworth’s comments and condemned the ongoing issues since the Royal Commission. He called for practical actions to address the risks associated with these tragic deaths (Pages 2-3).
• Community-Led Solutions: Zali Steggall, the Independent MP for Warringah, advocated for prioritizing community-led solutions to reduce youth incarceration among Indigenous Australians, thereby addressing systemic injustices (Pages 3-4).
• Marion Scrymgour’s Input: As the federal member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour called for an independent inquiry into the deaths in custody and highlighted the institutional racism prevalent in Northern Territory police (Pages 4-5).
• NDIS Concerns: Mr. Thompson raised concerns related to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), particularly about changes to transport allowances that had not involved proper consultation with stakeholders. He urged for a deferral on changes to allow adequate planning for all affected (Page 5).
• Medicare Accessibility: On Page 100, Melissa McIntosh, MP for Lindsay, addressed significant healthcare issues, criticizing the rising out-of-pocket costs and decreased bulk-billing rates for Medicare services. She highlighted the urgent need for healthcare accessibility, particularly due to increasing obesity and mental health issues in her community. McIntosh pointed out that there has been a drop in bulk-billing from 88% under the Coalition to 77% under the Labor government, indicating an increased financial burden on constituents seeking medical assistance.
• Specific Constituent Experiences: McIntosh shared stories of individuals, including a pensioner facing rising healthcare costs and those struggling with gap fees after visiting GPs, stressing that current urgent care clinics have limited hours which complicates access (Page 100).
• Education and Healthcare Intersection: Zhi Soon, MP for Banks, also discussed education reforms, particularly emphasizing their importance in alleviating cost-of-living pressures for young Australians. Although not directly about healthcare, the discussion intersects with broader issues of financial stability that can impact access to healthcare services (Page 101).

The proceedings underscore ongoing concerns with healthcare accessibility, systemic injustice in treatment of Indigenous populations, and the significance of adequate reforms in both health and education sectors to support vulnerable communities.