Stop labor’s attack on Private Health cover

The Federal Member for Hinkler David Batt MP is renewing calls for the Labor Government to scrap the cut to the private health insurance rebate for Australian’s aged over 65.

Mr Batt and his Coalition colleagues have secured a Senate Inquiry as a matter of urgency.

“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.

“Health officials have admitted the Government doesn’t know how many of the three million older Australians affected are pensioners. However, they concede many older Australians really value private health insurance.

That’s why so many work hard and save to be able to pay for private health cover.”

Mr Batt said for those who traditionally have been able to afford Private Health Insurance, it should be encouraged, especially since this helps to take pressure off the public health system.

“Instead, the Albanese Government is punishing older Australians. Many now face a difficult choice – to cut spending on other essentials, or downgrade or drop their cover.”

Bundaberg’s David Orpin is a 68-year-old pensioner and carer for his 91-year-old mother. Both have private health insurance, but Mr Orpin fears the Labor government will force him and his mother to cut back on essentials.

“I receive $162 per fortnight as a carers payment and with rising rates, rego, fuel, food and general health costs – it’s incredibly tough,” said Mr Orpin.

“How many people will ditch their private health and then be a burden on the public system?

I don’t think this is going to be the windfall Labor believe it could be and it may cost more in the long run,” said Mr Orpin.

The cuts to private health insurance rebates have not yet passed Parliament.

“I will return to Canberra on Monday (August 10) to take up the fight and this issue is at the very top of my list,” said Mr Batt.

“The Coalition has secured a Senate Inquiry and any Australian can make a submission.

Submissions to the Inquiry do not have to be long. They can simply highlight why private health insurance is important and how a cut to the rebate will affect you.”

The Bill has been referred to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 7 October 2026.

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.

 

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