Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee - Sydney, NSW (part 1 of 2)
3 September 2026
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Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee Australian Parliament
15:40 - 18:27
Speaker 1
Good morning. I declare open this hearing of the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee's inquiry into the Private Health Insurance Amendment (Modernising the Private Health Insurance Rebate) Bill 2026. I begin by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet and pay my respects to their elders past and present. I extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today. The committee will be conducting today's hearing via teleconference and in person.
I am Senator Ellie Whitaker, chair of the committee. I have with me in the room Senator Ruston and joining shortly by teleconference Senators Antic and Brown. These are public proceedings being streamed live via the Parliament's website and a Hansard transcript is being made. I remind all witnesses that in giving evidence to the committee they are protected by parliamentary privilege. It is unlawful for anyone to threaten or disadvantage a witness on account of evidence given to a committee and such action may be treated by the Senate as a contempt.
It is also a contempt to give false or misleading evidence. Witnesses also have a right to request to be heard in camera. If a witness objects to answering a question they should state the ground upon which the objection is made and the committee will determine whether it will insist on an answer having regard to the ground which is claimed. If the committee determines to insist on an answer a witness may request that the answer be given in camera. I remind senators of their obligations under the behavior code for Australian parliamentarians to treat witnesses with dignity, courtesy, fairness and respect.
I remind committee members and witnesses who are appearing via teleconference and who are not speaking to mute their microphones. This session is an opportunity for the committee to hear from members of the community about their lived experiences. I remind the committee that this session is primarily a listening exercise although some senators may have questions and to Mary and Ken who are joining us you are welcome to answer them should you wish. I remind everyone that this is a public hearing and these are formal proceedings of the Senate. I would also like to remind witnesses not to disclose any personal or private information such as your full name, date of birth or address during the statement as the audio of the hearing is being broadcast live.
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