Australia’s federal parliament blocks Labor’s proposed cut to private health insurance rebates for people aged over 65, after the Greens withhold support unless pensioners are exempted. The changes, originally set to begin in April 2027, would reduce the rebate for older Australians and are projected to save about $3bn for the federal budget.
The Greens argue the policy should include a “pensioner carve-out,” saying pensioners should not face the loss of support. The Guardian reports that nearly 80,000 older Australians are expected to drop private health coverage by 2028–29 under the proposal. The West Australian adds that the plan is blocked for now due to an arrangement in the upper house involving both the Greens and the coalition, delaying the reform while negotiations continue.
