Inquiry into Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2005
Terms of Reference
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On 5 October 2005 the
Senate, on the recommendation of the Selection of Bills Committee, has
referred the provisions of the above Bill to the Committee for inquiry and
report by 1 November 2005. [On 13 October 2005 the Senate extended the
reporting date to 7 November 2005]
The Bill, Explanatory
Memorandum and Minister's second reading speech may be accessed on the
Internet at
https://www.aph.gov.au/ParlInfo/BillsNet/main.htm
In
recommending the reference of the Bill to the Committee, the Selection of
Bills Committee provided the following issues for consideration.
To examine the provisions of the Bill
relating to new powers to set conditions, limitations and restrictions on
the circumstances in which Medicare benefits will be payable for health
services; in particular to
- consider the evidence that
these powers are necessary;
- identify if the Bill provides sufficient mechanisms to ensure that decisions to impose
conditions, limitations and restrictions are made in line with scientific
evidence;
- determine the need for
appropriate structures to guarantee consumer and expert consultation in
the decision making process; and
- examine the need for appeals
mechanisms to prevent arbitrary application of the power.
The Senate has given the Committee a very
short timeframe in which to examine the Bill and invites a short written
submission. Comments should be lodged with the Committee by Wednesday,
12 October 2005. The Committee prefers to receive submissions
electronically as an attached document – email:
community.affairs.sen@aph.gov.au – otherwise by fax (number
02 6277 5829).
The Committee intends to hold a public
hearing on the Bill on either Thursday, 13 or Friday,
14 October 2005.
For further information, contact:
Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committees on Community Affairs
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia