Health Legislation Amendment (Improved Medicare Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025

The majority voted against an amendment to the usual second reading motion, which is "that the bill be read a second time" (parliamentary jargon for agreeing with the main idea of the bill). This amendment was introduced by West Australian Senator Jordan Steele-John (Greens).

Amendment text

At the end of the motion, add ", but the Senate:

(a) notes that:

(i) the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety recommended the establishment of a Senior Dental Benefits Scheme,

(ii) the Select Committee into the Provision of and Access to Dental Services in Australia recommended that the Government consider the establishment of a Senior Dental Benefits Scheme, and

(iii) Australians are experiencing a cost of living crisis, and 55% of Australians over 65 delayed dental treatment in the last year with affordability being the main barrier; and

(b) calls on the Government to fully fund and implement a Senior Dental Benefits Scheme".