Darren Cheeseman (Corangamite, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

The Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Bill 2009 is another important piece of legislation that will strengthen the opportunity for 18- to 24-year-olds to be able to access private health insurance via their families. This is significantly important, particularly because many people in that age bracket are putting themselves through education and training with the costs associated with that. Extending the private health insurance coverage of their families to this generation is a very significant reform. It speaks volumes about the commitment of the federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, to having a very strong public healthcare system that is supported by a strong and viable private healthcare system. I commend the work of the minister and recommend that the parliament support the bill.

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