Private health transparency legislation is progressing in Australia, with the Senate Committee recommending the Health Legislation Amendment (Improving Choice and Transparency for Private Health Consumers) Bill 2026 be passed.
RACS has strongly advocated for a model that reflects the realities of surgical care. The Committee acknowledged the concerns raised by RACS and other medical colleges, and identified these as matters to be addressed through consultation during implementation.
A narrow focus on practitioner fees risks misleading patients and overlooking key drivers of out-of-pocket costs, including private health insurance rebates and hospital charges.
RACS is now focused on the implementation phase, working with government to ensure strong clinical input, accurate data, and appropriate safeguards, while continuing to advocate for targeted amendments.
You can view our full submission to the committee (PDF 248.24KB).