On 17 August 2017, the Senate referred the following matter to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report:
The availability and accessibility of diagnostic imaging equipment around Australia.
The terms of reference are:
- geographic and other disparities in access to diagnostic imaging equipment;
- arrangements for Commonwealth subsidy of diagnostic imaging equipment and services;
- out-of-pocket costs for services that are not subsidised by the Commonwealth and the impact of these on patients; and
- the respective roles of the Commonwealth, states and other funders in ensuring access to diagnostic imaging services.
The closing date for submissions is 6 October 2017. The reporting date is 5 December 2017. On 16 November 2017, the Senate granted an extension of time for reporting until 7 March 2018. The Committee has sought a further extension to the reporting date and will now report on 9 March 2018.