Health Legislation Amendment (Improved Medicare Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Monday 10 February 2025 · Senate

   First Reading
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2. Monday 10 February 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Indigenous Australians introduced two bills to the Senate. The first established a scheme for workplace protection orders to safeguard Commonwealth employees from violence and aggression. The second bill aimed to improve Medicare integrity by shortening claim timeframes, enhancing investigative powers, and streamlining pharmaceutical benefit approvals. The Minister argued these measures were necessary to protect workers and ensure the financial and operational integrity of health schemes. No other members spoke during this segment of the debate.

   Outcome: The Minister moved that the bills be read a second time and sought leave to incorporate speeches in Hansard, which was granted.

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3. Wednesday 23 July 2025 · Senate

   First Reading
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4. Wednesday 23 July 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Health and Aged Care introduced two bills to the Senate. The first bill proposes separating the Australian Energy Regulator from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to enhance governance and autonomy. The second bill aims to improve Medicare integrity by shortening claim timeframes, strengthening investigative powers, and updating therapeutic goods regulations. The Minister argued these measures would protect consumers and ensure the reliability of health and energy systems. The debate was adjourned with the bills listed as separate orders.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned and the bills were ordered to be listed on the Notice Paper as separate orders of the day.

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5. Thursday 24 July 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Health Legislation Amendment (Improved Medicare Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025, which implements recommendations from the Philip review to strengthen Medicare compliance and combat fraud. The Coalition supported the bill but criticized the government's record on bulk-billing rates and out-of-pocket costs, arguing that affordability had worsened since 2022. Labor senators defended the government's health investments, including bulk-billing incentives and PBS cost reductions, while the Greens supported the bill but moved an amendment for a Seniors Dental Benefits Scheme. The debate concluded with the Greens amendment being noted, though the transcript did not state its final passage result.

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6. Monday 28 July 2025 · Senate

   In Committee

   The Senate debated amendments to the bill during consideration in committee. Senator Roberts moved an amendment to require legislative instruments for TGA approvals to increase parliamentary oversight, which the government opposed as burdensome. Senator Hanson moved an amendment requiring photo ID for Medicare claims to prevent fraud, which the government rejected to avoid barriers to care. Senator Thorpe moved an amendment for special pharmaceutical arrangements in prisons, which was defeated. The government maintained that existing measures and the bill's integrity provisions were sufficient.

   Outcome: Senator Roberts's amendment was not passed (5-45). Senator Hanson's amendment was not passed (13-35). Senator Thorpe's amendment was negatived.

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7. Monday 28 July 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Health Legislation Amendment (Improved Medicare Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025, which aimed to strengthen Medicare integrity, manage therapeutic goods shortages, and regulate vaping products. Labor and Coalition senators supported the bill's core provisions, though the Coalition criticized the government's record on bulk-billing and out-of-pocket costs. Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe moved amendments addressing healthcare for incarcerated First Nations people, which the government declined to support. The debate concluded with divisions on the amendments that were not passed.

   Outcome: The bill was not passed after two divisions.

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8. Tuesday 29 July 2025 · Senate

   In Committee
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9. Tuesday 29 July 2025 · Senate

   Third Reading
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10. Monday 25 August 2025 · House of Representatives

    Second Reading

    The debate concerned amendments to strengthen Medicare integrity, streamline pharmacy approvals, and enhance regulatory powers for therapeutic goods and vaping products. The government introduced the bill to implement recommendations from the Philip review, aiming to reduce fraud and improve compliance. The opposition supported the bill's technical measures but criticised the government's broader record on bulk-billing rates and out-of-pocket costs. Labor members emphasised the importance of protecting taxpayer funds and ensuring patient safety through improved investigative powers.

    Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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11. Monday 1 September 2025 · House of Representatives

    Third Reading
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