Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee - Perth, WA

23 September 2026

Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee Australian Parliament

16:01 - 17:52
Speaker 1
I 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, the Whadjuk Noongar people on which we meet today, and pay my respects to their elders past and present.  I extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people here today.  The committee will be conducting today's hearing in person and via video conference.  I am Senator Marielle Smith, Chair of the committee. 

In the room with me I have Senator Ruston, and Senators Grogan and Allman-Payne joining via teleconference.  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 it be given in camera. 

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