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Statement On NSW Health Insurance Levies Amendment

Business Council of Australia

Attributable to BCA Chief Executive Bran Black

We need to ensure our healthcare system is sustainable and that all Australians have access to services they need.

I am concerned the NSW Government’s amendment to health insurance levies will make private health insurance more expensive and risk more people dropping their cover.

If people drop their insurance, it will place even more pressure on the public health system, which is already under immense strain.

Our healthcare is based off a private-public funding model, and if that is undermined, it could risk people getting the care they need.

The NSW Government needs to be upfront about the potential risks and any associated modelling of how it could impact health insurance premiums for NSW residents, and the hospital system.

An independent economic analysis should be undertaken to determine the potential impacts on premiums and number of people covered.

This Bill, at the very least, needs to be reviewed and investigated by a committee to ensure it doesn’t prevent people from accessing fast and affordable care.

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