The Federal Member for Hinkler David Batt MP is urging the Labor Government to reconsider the cut to the private health insurance rebate for Australian’s aged over 65.
Mr Batt and his Coalition colleagues will return to Parliament on Monday (May 25) to take up the fight.
“In Hinkler alone, around 26,300 seniors face the prospect of private health insurance bills rising to as much as $807 more per year for singles or up to $1,614 more per year for a couple,” Mr Batt said.
“The decision to scrap the rebate will leave many older Australians with a difficult choice – to cut spending on other essentials, downgrade their cover, or drop it altogether.”
Retired police officer, Bundaberg’s Greg Spencer said it is an abomination. “It will only have the unintended consequence of diverting elderly patients back into the public health system,” Mr Spencer said.
In a letter to Mr Batt, Private Healthcare Australia confirmed more than 40% of the Hinkler electorate have private health insurance. National Seniors Australia has found that as many as 45 per cent of people whose sole source of income is the Age Pension hold private health insurance.
Former Australian Medical Association President, Dr Michael Gannon, says it will affect “individuals who have decided to put their health above the holidays and their leisure pursuits.” (Source: The Australian, 17/5/2026)
Mr Batt said it is simply unfair for Labor to punish older Australians by reducing the private health insurance rebate.
A petition has been set up for those impacted: https://lbr.al/handsoffhealth