MEDIA RELEASE - CRITICAL DIGITAL HEALTH PROGRAM LANGUISHES UNDER LABOR

PAUL FLETCHER MP

Shadow Minister for Science and the Arts

Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy

Manager of Opposition Business in the House

MEDIA RELEASE

5 June 2024

CRITICAL DIGITAL HEALTH PROGRAM LANGUISHES UNDER LABOR

The Albanese Labor Government’s shambolic handling of digital projects has been exposed again, with documents revealing the critical technology upgrade to Medicare is back in ‘red’ status following delays.

The information was obtained by the Opposition via a Freedom of Information request.

Shadow Minister for Government Services Paul Fletcher said the former Coalition Government invested over $100 million in the Health Delivery Modernisation Program, which saw a substantial reduction in the aged care annual and lifetime fee caps process.

“Labor can’t spin its way out of this continuing policy flop,” Mr Fletcher said.

“In February 2024, officials from Services Australia told Opposition Senators that the project was going ‘extremely well’.

“Now in June, officials have confirmed that this vital ICT project remains in ‘red’ status.

“It has been confirmed in Senate Estimates that deliverables have been delayed, including the ‘claims tracker’ component of the project.

“This revelation is very concerning and continues Labor’s drift when it comes to digital transformation.

“It makes no sense to deprioritise this critical program, especially after a global pandemic when modernising health delivery should be at the forefront of the government’s thinking.”

Media contact: William Sparling | 0416 628 276 | [email protected]