Andrew Wallace (Fisher, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On 14 May, I launched my petition about this government ripping away private health insurance rebates for the over-65s. Since that time, we've had 5,366 Australians sign this petition. These are Australians who were told for decades: 'Invest in your private health insurance, and, when you need it most, it'll be there for you. And you'll get this concessional rate.' I just cannot understand why those members opposite would want to rip away that concessional rate once someone turns the magic age of 65. What is it about turning 65, when people need it the most and have been paying private health insurance for decades, that makes this government think it's okay to pull away that rebate? At gold level, the costs for a couple will increase by $1,600 a year. How is that fair to mum and dad or grandparents? It is a breach of trust. It's a breach of faith of successive governments of all colours. I plead with those members opposite and the Prime Minister to have a change of heart, to pull back and to restore it to the way it was.