MEDIA STATEMENT
15 October 2026
The Senate has delivered a major victory for older Australians, blocking the Albanese Labor Government’s proposed cuts to the private health insurance rebate.
The Coalition and crossbench have stopped legislation that would have left more than three million older Australians facing higher private health insurance premiums, including increases of up to $1,614 a year for some couples.
For months, I have fought these cuts alongside thousands of Australians who refused to stand by while Labor targeted pensioners and retirees already struggling with the cost of living.
In September, I took 10,340 signatures into the House of Representatives from Australians demanding the Government abandon these cuts.
Three times I tried to have those signatures tabled in Parliament. Three times Labor refused.
Today, our petition has grown to nearly 12,000 signatures, and the Senate has delivered the result those Australians have been calling for.
If this Government won’t listen to the electorate, we certainly will.
Australians who have spent decades working, saving and paying for their own private health insurance should be supported, not punished with higher premiums simply because they are getting older.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again:
Labor doesn’t listen until it’s forced to, doesn’t act until it’s embarrassed, and doesn’t take responsibility until it runs out of excuses.
Yesterday, the Senate forced Labor to listen.
This is a huge win for pensioners, self-funded retirees and older Australians who deserve certainty about their health care.
But the fight isn’t over. The Health Minister has already indicated Labor intends to bring this legislation back.
To the nearly 12,000 Australians who signed my petition, thank you. Your voices matter, and I will continue fighting to make sure they are heard.
Australians have spoken. It’s time Labor listened.
[ENDS]
Media Contact: Brendan West – 0402 556 646 – Brendan.west@aph.gov.au
