✦ Plain-English Summary

Health Insurance Amendment (Continuing the Office of the National Rural Health Commissioner) 2020

What it does

This bill keeps the National Rural Health Commissioner's office running by writing it into law permanently. The Commissioner is an official who advises the health minister on issues affecting rural, regional and remote areas, and can investigate problems with healthcare access in those communities.

Why it matters

Rural and remote Australians often struggle to access quality healthcare — there are fewer doctors, longer travel times, and limited services. Having someone dedicated to pushing for better health services in these areas means their needs are less likely to get overlooked in policy decisions made in the cities.

Key details

• The Commissioner can provide advice to the health minister, run projects, and investigate and report on rural health issues
• The office started under a 2017 law, but this bill makes it permanent rather than temporary
• The law comes into effect when it receives Royal Assent (formal approval from the Governor-General)
• "Rural, regional and remote areas" is the official definition — it includes anywhere outside major cities where health access is limited

Official Description

Amends the Health Insurance Act 1973 to: continue the Office of the National Rural Health Commissioner beyond 1 July 2020; and amend the functions of the office.

No formal division recorded

This bill passed by voice vote — parliament agreed without calling a formal count. A division is only recorded when a member explicitly requests one.

No votes yet.

No votes were recorded for this bill.