Nicola Roxon (Gellibrand, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Health and Ageing) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

The Fairer Private Health Insurance Incentives (Medicare Levy Surcharge) Bill 2009 will amend the Medicare Levy Act 1986 to give effect to the budget measure to introduce three new private health insurance incentives tiers.

The bill will commence immediately after the commencement of the Fairer Private Health Insurance Incentives Act 2009.

The Medicare Levy Act 1986 determines whether an individual is liable to pay the Medicare levy surcharge in respect of their taxable income or that of their spouse. The individual’s income for surcharge purposes determines whether a person must pay the surcharge. If the individual’s income exceeds prescribed income thresholds they will need to pay the appropriate level of surcharge.

This bill inserts the new tier system in order to determine which level of surcharge a person must pay where they do not hold appropriate private health insurance.

Debate (on motion by Mr Haase) adjourned.

See this speech in context