Senate blocks government plan to cut private health rebates for older people

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 09:33 · Archive

Australia's Senate has rejected the government's plan to remove higher private health insurance rebates for people aged 65 and over. On Wednesday, the opposition, Greens and crossbenchers passed a motion to remove the bill from the Senate agenda. The motion was co-sponsored by Tasmanian crossbencher Jacqui Lambie and shadow health minister Anne Ruston.

At present, older people with private health insurance receive higher rebates than younger people, with two tiers for those 65 and over and the highest concession going to those aged 70 and over. The government's proposal would have removed all age distinctions and saved approximately 3 billion dollars over four years, which it said would be redirected into aged care.

The Greens opposed the measure, stating that cutting rebates to pensioners was unacceptable when the government refused to tax record gas export profits. About 1.2 million of the three million people affected by the proposal would have been pensioners. Health Minister Mark Butler said the government would try to bring the legislation back on Thursday and was willing to discuss changes to secure Senate support.

How it is being reported

• Senate blocks cuts to private health rebates for older AussiesThe Senate has voted down proposed cuts to private health insurance rebates for older Australians.The Age · 14 Oct, 09:15
• Senate throws out budget plan to remove health insurance top up for older peopleThe Senate has rejected the government’s controversial budget measure to cut the private health insurance rebate for people 65 and older.The Conversation AU · 14 Oct, 08:58

In this story: Mark Butler · Jacqui Lambie · Anne Ruston · Australian Senate · Greens · Australia

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem