Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I have already responded to the very point that you have made. I am happy to repeat exactly what I said, and I noted Senator Mason’s interjections—or perhaps it was the good senator behind him. I was not quite sure if you were throwing your voice, Senator Mason. Perhaps it was Senator Williams. I am not sure. Let me repeat what I said and be absolutely clear. It is ultimately up to the Commonwealth to approve premium rises. The health minister has been very clear. She will not accept private health insurance funds using this measure as an excuse to whack working families with huge hikes. It could not be clearer.