Rick Wilson (O'Connor, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I rise to speak on behalf of the seniors of O'Connor, who are being unfairly targeted by the Albanese government in the budget. These are the Australians who have worked hard their entire lives. They've paid their taxes, raised families, built businesses and contributed a lifetime to their communities. For those on fixed incomes or with modest retirement savings, even a small increase in everyday costs can be significant.

One of the most concerning budget measures is the reduction in the rebate for private health insurance for older Australians. This means many of O'Connor's 25,000 seniors will face premium increases of up to $1,600 per couple. Sadly, this may cause them to downgrade their insurance cover or to abandon it altogether, placing extra strain on our already-stretched public health system.

Labor should be supporting our older Australians, not making life harder for them. They should be ensuring that healthcare remains accessible and affordable and that retirees have certainty and dignity in their later years.

I'm standing up for the seniors of O'Connor, opposing this bad Labor policy that is pitting them against their grandchildren in the name of intergenerational fairness. This measure will result in seniors paying more to receive less. So I'm launching a campaign to fight this bad policy and support the 25,000 seniors in my electorate. Please look out for my questionnaire and petition coming to your mailbox soon.