Opened the debate
Gorman moved that the amendment be agreed to. The member noted that the text had been circulated to members. Gorman indicated that further details were available for those who required them.
Bill Debate · Consideration of Senate Message
Health Insurance Amendment (Incentive Payments and Other Measures) Bill 2026; Consideration of Senate Message
House of Representatives · Tuesday 13 October 2026
Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia
At a glance
The House considered a message from the Senate regarding amendments to the Health Insurance Amendment (Incentive Payments and Other Measures) Bill 2026. The debate focused on a Coalition amendment designed to restrict autonomous decision-making within Medicare incentive programs. The Shadow Minister argued that human oversight was necessary to prevent errors similar to those seen in aged care, while the Assistant Minister moved the amendment for agreement. The House agreed to the amendment.
Outcome
The question was agreed to.
Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.
How the debate unfolded
Opposition response
McIntosh described the bill as establishing a framework for existing Medicare programs such as the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program. The member argued that the Coalition amendment provided necessary safeguards against autonomous decision-making without human oversight. McIntosh cited concerns about automation errors in other sectors and urged support for the amendment to clarify when computer programs could make decisions.