Australian Greens health spokesperson and former GP, Dr Richard Di Natale, said today that the Senate Select Committee on Health has heard damning evidence about the impacts of the Abbott Government’s health policies.

“The combination of the Abbott Government’s health policies would be nothing short of disastrous for our health system and the community,” said Senator Di Natale, Deputy Chair of the Committee.

Senator DI NATALE (Victoria) (14:23):  My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Brandis. Does the government acknowledge concerns by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that the current Ebola outbreak is the worst in history, having killed an estimated 3,000 people and with the potential to infect over one million people by January 2015 if not contained?

Senator DI NATALE (Victoria) (12:18):  I move:

That the Senate—

(a) expresses concern over the audit of the National Medical Intern Data Management Working Group's findings that approximately 240 Australian medical graduates will not be offered a state or territory internship position;

(b) notes that completing a medical internship is an essential process for a graduate to work as a doctor in Australia;

(c) recognises that:

Senator DI NATALE:  I, and also on behalf of Senator Lazarus, move the motion as amended:

That the Senate—

(a) expresses concern at the proposed sale of the $29 billion Medicare payment system, which will put thousands of jobs at risk and compromise service;

(b) notes That the sale will open the door for further privatisations within the Department of Human Services and other federal government agencies, including the Australian Taxation Office; and

Australian Greens health spokesperson and former GP, Dr Richard Di Natale, has today expressed concern that approximately 240 Australian medical graduates will not be offered a State or Territory internship position this year.

“Completing a medical internship is essential for a graduate to work as a doctor in Australia. Without an internship a medical degree is useless,” said Senator Di Natale.

Australian Greens health spokesperson and former GP and public health specialist, Dr Richard Di Natale, said today that the Morwell coal mine fire report shows why we need a National Clean Air Act.

“The Hazelwood mine fire was a public health disaster for the people of Morwell and it should give us all cause to reflect on the way we want to generate power in this country,” said Senator Di Natale.

Australian Greens health spokesperson and former GP, Dr Richard Di Natale, said today that there are no possible changes or alternative models can turn the GP co-payment into good public policy.

“No amount of tinkering or adjustments can save this dog of a policy,” said Senator Di Natale.

“Putting a price barrier between patients and their doctors is precisely the opposite of what we should be doing.

The Australian Greens say the MH17 disaster is a horrific tragedy that will reverberate around the world.

"Our hearts go out to the families and friends of all those who have been killed, especially the 27 Australians reported to be on board," said Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne.

"Tragedies like these always touch many more people than we can ever know, but it is shocking news that up to 108 delegates to the 20th Annual AIDS Conference due to be held in Melbourne this weekend were on board the doomed flight.