What was debated in Parliament
Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
This bill follows a review of Medicare fraud and errors. It cuts the time to lodge bulk-billed claims from two years to one, gives investigators more consistent powers across Medicare and the PBS, speeds up some pharmacy approvals, and lets the medicines regulator act before a shortage hits. All major parties supported it, but much of the debate turned to bulk-billing rates and the cost of seeing a GP.
Arguments made in support
The Government said the changes respond to the Philip review and will help catch fraud and wrong claims while barely affecting honest doctors.
Labor members said a shorter claim window and clearer investigation powers will protect taxpayer money and patient safety.
Supporters said faster pharmacy approvals will help new suburbs, and the shortage power lets the regulator get ahead of supply problems.
The Coalition supported the bill, noting a Senate committee had recommended it pass.
The Greens supported the bill but asked the government to focus on educating practitioners before taking enforcement action.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Monique Ryan said new powers to demand records and recover payments from doctors who were not at fault could be unfair.
Coalition speakers said the bill does nothing to fix falling bulk-billing rates and record out-of-pocket costs.
One Nation questioned the new medicines shortage power and moved to require parliamentary oversight of those approvals. It did not pass.
Pauline Hanson moved to require photo ID for Medicare claims, which the Government and Coalition did not support.
The Greens and Senator Thorpe moved amendments for a seniors dental scheme and better prison health care, which the Government opposed.
117 speeches by 43 members in the Senate and House over 5 sitting days.
Hansard: Senate, 24 July 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 28 July 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 29 July 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 25 Aug 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 1 Sept 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Australia's Voice
1 Yes
0 No
The last column counts members who did not vote. Party counts are for current members.
5 votes were cast by people who have since left Parliament.
Every party member who voted went with the majority of their party.