House of Representatives
Taxation Laws Amendment (Private Health Insurance) Bill 1998
Second Reading Speech
Dr Wooldridge (Minister for Health and Aged Care)I move:
That the bill be now read a second time.
This bill amends the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to provide for a tax offset, otherwise known as a tax rebate, to encourage people to take out or maintain private health insurance.
The tax offset is complementary to the benefits available under the Private Health Insurance Incentive Bill 1998 which can be obtained either as a direct payment from the government or a premium reduction. I have already presented an explanatory memorandum and commend the bill to the House.
Debate (on motion by Ms Macklin) adjourned.