Join the call for a Private Health Commission

The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) is calling on the community for its support to campaign the Federal Government to establish a private health commission. 

With community support, the ASO said the petition could be the gift that keeps on giving this Christmas, if signed before 25 December 2024. 

The ASO has launched an e-petition through the Parliament of Australia website — EN6877 — stating a commission is required to regulate the private health insurance and private hospital landscape to ensure the survival of Australia's world-class egalitarian health system.

It follows months of ongoing and unresolved disputes between health insurers and the private hospital sector, including the closure of more than 70 private hospitals.

Last month, Healthscope — Australia’s second-largest private hospital provider — announced it would terminate its hospital contracts with Bupa and the Australian Health Services Alliance. 

ASO Chief Executive Officer, Kerry Gallagher AM said this is the latest in a long line of examples that reinforces the need for intervention by a greater authority to save the private health sector.

“Minister Butler has clearly decided to ignore his responsibilities and is distancing himself, declaring private hospitals should resolve their own disputes with private health insurers,” Mr Gallagher said.

“There are ongoing issues in the private health sector that are not being resolved and are forcing the closure of services and redirecting unexpected costs onto patients — and it is everyday Australians who are losing out and questioning the value of private health insurance. 

“In lieu of the intervention of government, and the elusive presence of the Commonwealth Ombudsman to oversight and resolve issues, it is clear the only way forward is the establishment of a private health commission,” said Mr Gallagher. 

“There are many examples of the effectiveness of current commonwealth independent commissions, including their longstanding presence.

“The security of our balanced health system deserves a similar but separate independent commission — and one that has the ability to cut through the messaging and market power of health insurers.”

ASO President, Dr Peter Sumich said a strong private health system is essential for the sustainability of Australia’s overall healthcare landscape.

“Private hospitals not only provide critical services and reduce pressure on the public system, but they also offer ‘competition’ to public health services and patients more choices and access to high levels of specialised care,” he said.

“Without appropriate funding, private hospitals may face significant challenges that threaten the safety and quality of care they provide.

“This situation could also lead to a threat to private healthcare generally, and then, to the collapse of the function and effectiveness of private health insurance.

“To ensure that private hospitals can continue to meet the needs of Australians, it is crucial to address the current and ongoing funding gaps — which are forcing private hospital doors to close forever.

“This can be achieved not only through public-private partnerships, government incentives, and policies that support both private health insurance and direct funding for private healthcare providers, but also through the fail-safe of an independent private health commission.”

According to the Parliament of Australia website, petitions which receive 50 or more signatures may be referred to a minister for response.

The ASO said the future of our health system affects every Australian, whether you have private health insurance or rely on public services.

You can show your support by signing the e-petition, EN6877, on the Parliament of Australia website at www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions before it closes in four weeks on 25 December 2024.