Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Private Health Insurance Amendment (Modernising the Private Health Insurance Rebate) Bill 2026; Second Reading

Senate · Thursday 17 September 2026

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The debate concerned the removal of higher private health insurance rebates for Australians aged 65 and over to address intergenerational inequity. The government argued that the current system unfairly subsidised older Australians who already receive significant benefits, while younger policyholders cross-subsidised their claims. Savings from the rebate reduction were proposed to be reinvested into aged care services, including residential beds and support packages. The bill aimed to simplify the rebate structure and ensure equal treatment for households on the same income regardless of age. The second reading was adjourned to a future sitting day.

Outcome

Further consideration of the second reading was adjourned until the first sitting day of the next parliamentary session.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Nita Green (QLD) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Green moved the second reading of the bill, arguing it addressed intergenerational inequity by removing the increased rebate for those 65 and older. Green stated that the current model was difficult to defend because it provided different support levels to households with identical incomes based solely on age. The member explained that older Australians already benefit from community rating, where younger policyholders subsidise their claims, and that the rebate did not align with its purpose of incentivising uptake. Green highlighted that the changes would allow the government to invest $3 billion in aged care improvements, such as more residential beds and support packages. The member noted that the average premium increase for affected older Australians would be approximately $250 per year, with a marginal impact on hospital admissions.