THE HON. BILL SHORTEN MP
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
SHADOW MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS AND ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDERS
MEMBER FOR MARIBYRNONG
THE HON CATHERINE KING MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND MEDICARE
MEMBER FOR BALLARAT
Every Australian will have the opportunity to have their say on tackling out-of-control private health insurance costs, with Labor launching a national survey to hear directly from consumers about their experiences.
A Shorten Labor Government will make private health insurance more affordable and ensure that people are the priority – not the profits of big insurers.
We are giving the public the first say and launching a national conversation about how we strengthen private health insurance and shift the balance back in favour of everyday Australians.
The national survey – launched today at www.peoplenotprofits.org.au – is the first stage of Labor’s consultation process on private health insurance costs.
Labor will cap premiums at 2% for the first two years of Government – saving families an average $340 over two years – and task the Productivity Commission with undertaking the first inquiry into the private health industry in 20 years.
The Turnbull Government only cares about defending the profits of their big private health insurance mates. Since the Liberals were elected, families and older Australians are paying over $1000 more every year for their health insurance.
In 2018 alone, Australians will have to find $1 billion more out of their own pocket for the same level of cover – $1 billion that is going straight into the pockets of insurers.
It’s time Australians get a fair go when it comes to private health insurance – only Labor has a plan to put people over profits and make health insurance more affordable for every Australian.
FRIDAY, 6 APRIL 2018