Private Health Insurance (National Joint Replacement Register Levy) Amendment Bill 2026; Second Reading

Ambihaipahar explained that the current levy cap unfairly burdens smaller medical device companies while large suppliers pay less per unit. Ambihaipahar argued that removing the cap creates a fairer system where contributions match the volume of devices supplied. Ambihaipahar highlighted the registry's role in monitoring device safety and improving patient outcomes, noting its importance for both older Australians and younger patients.

McCormack acknowledged the inequity in the current levy system and supported the removal of the cap to ensure proportional contributions. McCormack raised concerns about healthcare access in regional areas, citing higher rates of preventable hospitalisations and fewer doctors compared to metropolitan centres. McCormack warned that rebate cuts for older Australians could strain public hospitals and potentially lead to private hospital closures.

Roberts described the National Joint Replacement Registry as a success story that improves clinical effectiveness and patient safety. Roberts argued that the existing cap distorted the market by allowing high-volume suppliers to pay less per device than smaller companies. Roberts stated that removing the cap ensures a fairer distribution of costs and strengthens the financial base for the registry as demand for joint replacements grows.

Ryan supported the bill but argued that Australia's health data infrastructure is fragmented across more than 140 separate registries. Ryan called for a coordinated national approach to health data, including housing clinical registries within the Australian Centre for Disease Control. Ryan moved an amendment urging the government to establish common data standards and link clinical registry data with Medicare and PBS records.

Haines seconded Ryan's amendment, praising the expertise behind the proposal. Haines highlighted the value of linked clinical data for research and policy-making, drawing on experiences with Nordic registry systems. Haines urged the government to unlock the potential of Australia's health data to improve treatments and productivity.