Better health and ageing for all Australians

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The moment of truth for Labor and the 30 per cent Private Health Insurance Rebate

Is the moment of truth going to arrive for the more than 8.5 million Australians who have private health insurance?

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8 September 2003

The moment of truth for Labor and the 30 per cent Private Health Insurance Rebate

Is the moment of truth going to arrive for the more than 8.5 million Australians who have private health insurance?

The Labor Party has hidden behind its so-called review of the 30 per cent Private Health Insurance Rebate - which delivers $750 a year on average to Australian families - for nearly two years.

The Opposition health spokeswoman, Julia Gillard, recently said she was not in any hurry to tell those Australians with private health insurance if they will get to keep their rebate under Labor.

She proposes to leave them in the dark. "I don't feel under any pressure to get that decision out early," Ms Gillard recently said on Sunday Sunrise.

That is not good enough. The more than 8.5 million Australians with private health insurance deserve better.

There is an opportunity this week for Ms Gillard to stand up and be counted on this very important issue.

The Australian Greens will move an amendment to the Health Legislation Amendment (Private Health Insurance Reform) Bill 2003 to abolish the 30 per cent Private Health Insurance Rebate.

The time has come for Ms Gillard to stop hiding behind her review and finally let everyone know where she stands on the 30 per cent Private Health Insurance Rebate.

One thing Australians can be certain of is: Private health insurance will be 30 per cent cheaper under the Coalition than Labor.

Media inquiries: Randal Markey, Media Adviser, Senator Patterson's office, 02 6277 7220.