Pensioners to Cover Half the Cost of Labor's Health Savings Plan
Listen to the story
New modelling has revealed that Australian pensioners would pay for half of a $3bn private health savings plan put forward by the Labor government.
The figures were commissioned by independent MP Monique Ryan, who does not belong to either of the major political parties.
Modelling uses data and mathematics to predict what may happen if a policy is put into action. In this case, it showed pensioners would carry a large share of the financial burden.
Labor's plan aims to reduce private health costs across the country by $3bn overall. However, the new figures suggest this saving would come partly from pensioners' pockets.
This news has become a major topic in Australian politics, especially during question time in parliament.
Separately, another proposal is being discussed that could help everyday Australians save money on power bills.
This plan focuses on electrifying homes, meaning switching from gas appliances to electric ones such as electric stoves and heaters.
Supporters argue that electric vehicles and electric appliances are often cheaper to run over time, even if they cost more upfront.
According to the push, Australian households could save up to $5,000 a year by making this switch.
The debate around both issues, health savings and electrification, forms part of a busy day of political discussion, alongside other topics such as auction rates and the ongoing housing crisis.
A housing crisis refers to a serious shortage of affordable homes, which has been a major concern across Australia.
Both major parties, Labor and the Coalition, continue to debate these issues as the political day unfolds.
Vocabulary8 words
- modelling
- using data and math to guess what will happen
- commissioned
- asked and paid for a piece of work to be done
- independent MP
- a politician who is not part of a major party
- politics
- activities related to running a country
- electrifying
- changing something to use electric power instead of gas
- electric vehicles
- cars that run on electricity instead of petrol
- housing crisis
- a serious shortage of homes people can afford
- Coalition
- a group of political parties working together, here Australia's main opposition group
Quiz
Answer key
1. Half 2. Independent MP Monique Ryan 3. $5,000
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
New _____ has revealed that Australian pensioners would pay for half of a $3bn private health savings plan.
The figures were _____ by independent MP Monique Ryan.
Modelling uses data and mathematics to predict what may happen if a _____ is put into action.
This news has become a major topic in Australian _____.
This plan focuses on _____ homes, meaning switching from gas appliances to electric ones.
Supporters argue that _____ and electric appliances are often cheaper to run over time.
Australian households could save up to $_____ a year by making this switch.
The debate forms part of a busy day of political discussion, alongside topics such as auction rates and the ongoing _____.
A housing crisis refers to a serious shortage of affordable homes.
Both major parties, Labor and the _____, continue to debate these issues.
Discussion questions
- Do you think it is fair for pensioners to pay a large share of health savings costs? Why or why not?
- What are the benefits and challenges of switching homes from gas to electric power?
- Why might independent politicians commission their own modelling on government policies?
- How might a housing crisis affect other areas of daily life, such as health or energy costs?
More Politics stories
Next story · Medium
Eagles Reveal Backup Quarterback Before Commanders Game