Health Insurance (Pathology) (Fees) (Repeal) Bill 2025; Second Reading

Opened the debate

White moved that the bill be read a second time, explaining that it repeals fees imposed on the pathology sector for accreditation applications. White noted that current fees, established in 1991, had not been reviewed and were found to exceed the actual administrative costs of processing applications. This discrepancy meant the charging arrangement did not align with the Australian Government Charging Framework. White stated that removing these fees would provide relief to the sector and reduce administrative burdens. White confirmed that accreditation obligations and quality assurance standards would remain unchanged to ensure testing accuracy.

Government response

White explained that the bill addresses misalignment with government charging policy by repealing the Health Insurance (Pathology) (Fees) Act 1991. White highlighted that a 2022 review found the fees exceeded administrative costs. The legislation includes provisions to refund fees collected from 1 July 2025 until the bill's commencement for applicants whose approvals came into force after that date. White emphasised that while fees are removed, the requirement for practitioners and laboratories to meet quality assurance standards remains intact.