Additional Comments by Labor Party Senators

1.1        Labor Senators support the Committee's recommendation that the bills be passed.

1.2        However, Labor Senators remain concerned that the bills could have significant unintended consequences – including making it easier for insurers to cancel policies and harder for Australians to afford care when they need it.

1.3        Labor Senators therefore support calls by the Australian Medical Association, Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association and others for the measures in this bill to be reviewed after implementation.

1.4        Labor Senators note that these bills do little to address the affordability crisis in private health insurance. Labor Senators call on the Government to adopt Labor's policy of capping premium increases at two per cent for two years and tasking the Productivity Commission with the biggest review of the sector in 20 years.

Senator the Hon Lisa Singh                                                          Senator Murray Watt

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