Stuart Robert (Fadden, Liberal Party, Assistant Treasurer) Share this | Hansard source

I thank those members who have contributed to the debate. The Treasury Laws Amendment (Medicare Levy and Medicare Levy Surcharge) Bill 2019 amends the Medicare Levy Act 1986 and the A New Tax System (Medicare Levy Surcharge—Fringe Benefits) Act 1999 to increase the Medicare levy low-income thresholds for singles, families, seniors and pensioners in line with increases in the consumer price index. For individual taxpayers, no Medicare levy will be payable for those with taxable income that does not exceed $22,398 in 2018-19. Single seniors and pensioners with no dependants who are eligible for the seniors and pensioners offset will not incur a Medicare levy liability if their taxable income does not exceed $35,418 in 2018-19.

As well as these individual thresholds, further relief is available for low-income couples and families. Couples and families not eligible for the seniors and pensioners tax offset will not be liable to pay the Medicare levy for 2018-19 if their combined income does not exceed $37,794 plus $3,471 for each dependent child or student. Couples and families who are eligible for the seniors and pensioners tax offset will not be liable to pay the Medicare levy for 2018-19 if their combined taxable income does not exceed $49,304 plus $3,471 for each dependent child or student. The amendments to the Medicare levy low-income thresholds apply to the 2018-19 year of income and future income years. Full details of the measure in the bill are contained in the explanatory memorandum. I commend the bill to the House.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

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