MEDIA RELEASE 14 May 2026
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace MP has today launched a petition calling on the Albanese Government to reverse what he has described as Labor’s “health tax on seniors”, warning the changes will hit retirees and place even greater pressure on public hospitals.
The petition, titled Stop Labor’s Health Tax on Seniors, follows growing concern over planned changes to the private health insurance rebate for Australians over 65.
Under the changes, some older Australians on gold-level private health cover could be forced to pay more than $1,600 extra per year from April 2027.
Mr Wallace said retirees across the Sunshine Coast are already contacting his office, deeply concerned about rising healthcare costs.
“Older Australians did exactly what governments asked them to do for decades. They paid for private health insurance, helped take pressure off the public system, and planned their retirement around keeping that cover,” Mr Wallace said.
“Now, just when they need it most, Labor wants to rip that support away.”
Mr Wallace warned the changes could force retirees out of private cover and push even more pressure onto already stretched public hospitals and elective surgery waitlists.
“The Australian this week reported regional private hospitals could be at risk if these rebate cuts proceed. That should concern every Australian.”
“For pensioners and retirees on fixed incomes, an extra $1,600 a year is simply unaffordable.”
Mr Wallace said the petition is designed to give older Australians and their families a direct voice against the changes.
“I will oppose this decision with everything I have and I encourage every local concerned about these changes to sign the petition.”
Locals can sign the petition at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7XDJCVF
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Media Contact: Brendan West – 0402 556 646 – Brendan.west@aph.gov.au
