Israel-Palestine Conflict, Refugees

The Hon. C. BONAROS (14:53): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Attorney, representing the Minister for Health, a question about public health care and refugees.

Leave granted.

The Hon. C. BONAROS: I refer to a guidance note by Victorian health services, which indicates that:

People fleeing the Israel-Palestine conflict who arrive in Australia on a visa subclass 600…will have free access to health services in Victoria. This is in line with existing asylum seeker and refugee health policies.

It also follows on from services that have been committed to and provided by the commonwealth government and fills the gaps in terms of specific services that are not covered under the commonwealth program, namely, public hospital admissions and emergency patients, Medicare and the like—the list goes on. It also includes emergency care, elective care, pathology and radiology, mental health services and pharmaceuticals.

My question is: given that Victoria has committed to do its part in terms of those who have fled from those very unfortunate events in Palestine and Israel, is there any plan for this government to adopt a similar program?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:54): I thank the honourable member for her question, and I will be happy to refer that to my colleague the Minister for Health, the Hon. Chris Picton, member for Kaurna, in another place and bring back a reply.