The Abbott Government’s failure to stand up for health consumers will see private health insurance premiums rise at their highest rate in more than a decade.
This morning Tony Abbott said he had never ‘interfered’ in the premium setting processing during his time as health minister. Tony Abbott’s lazy ‘hands off’ approach as health minister saw some of the highest premium increases in history, at one time almost four times the inflation rate.
Labor had a policy in government of ensuring premiums were as low as possible. During Labor’s terms in government premiums rose on average by 5.35%. Labor also increased the transparency around the premium setting process by publishing the premium rise for each fund, rather than only the industry wide average as had been the case under Tony Abbott as health minister.
The hands off approach by the Abbott Government is once again seeing premiums rise to their highest levels.
Australia already has the second highest out of pocket health costs in the OECD and this can only get worse under this unfair, shambolic government.
Labor will always stand up for consumers and ensure every Australian has access to high quality, affordable healthcare.
