Australia: Greens block Labor health rebate cut for over-65s, demand pensioner carve-out

The Australian Greens have blocked Labor's proposed cut to the private health insurance rebate for over-65s, which was projected to save A$3bn and push nearly 80,000 older Australians out of private cover by 2028-29. The Greens demand a carve-out for pensioners, creating a legislative impasse. The outcome is uncertain, but the blockage signals a potential policy reversal or compromise, affecting fiscal consolidation and the health insurance market.