Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senator Di Natale, move:

That the following bills be referred to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 13 August 2018:

(a) Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Bill 2018;

(b) A New Tax System (Medicare Levy Surcharge-Fringe Benefits) Amendment (Excess Levels for Private Health Insurance Policies) Bill 2018; and

(c) Medicare Levy Amendment (Excess Levels for Private Health Insurance Policies) Bill 2018.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government opposes this reference. These bills deliver key reforms to support Australia's 13 million private health insurance members, including up to 10 per cent discounts for members under 30 years of age, increased travel and accommodation benefits for members in rural and regional Australia, expanded powers to the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman and clearer information for consumers. These bills and policies have been extensively consulted on with the community and stakeholders throughout 2017 and 2018. Passage of these bills by 30 June 2018 will ensure savings and reforms can be delivered to private health insurance members by 2019.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that business of the Senate motion No. 2, standing in the name of Senator Watt and Di Natale, be agreed to.