Private Health Insurance Complaints Levy Act 1995

No. 40 of 1995

An Act to impose a levy on health insurance businesses conducted by registered organizations

[Assented to 29 May 1995]

The Parliament of Australia enacts:

Short title

1. This Act may be cited as the Private Health Insurance Complaints Levy Act 1995.

Commencement

2. This Act commences on 1 July 1995.

Interpretation

3.(1) In this Act:

"health insurance business" has the same meaning as in section 67 of the National Health Act 1953;

"quarter" means a period of 3 months commencing on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July or 1 October in any year.

(2) Unless a contrary intention appears, other words or expressions used in this Act have the same meanings in this Act as in the National Health Act 1953.

Act binds the Crown

4. This Act binds the Crown in each of its capacities.

Imposition of levy

5. Levy is imposed on the conducting of health insurance businesses by registered organizations.

Rate of levy

6.(1) The rate of levy is the rate prescribed by the regulations.

(2) The rate is to be based on the number of contributors who contribute to the health benefits fund by means of which a registered organization conducts its health insurance business.

(3) The regulations may specify different rates of levy in respect of:

(a) contributors who contribute to the health benefits fund in respect of one person; and

(b) contributors who contribute to a health benefits fund in respect of more than one person.

(4) The rate of levy must not exceed:

(a) in respect of contributors who contribute to the health benefits fund in respect of one person—25 cents per quarter; or

(b) in respect of contributors who contribute to a health benefits fund in respect of more than one person—50 cents per quarter.

By whom is levy payable?

7. Levy is payable by the registered organization conducting the health insurance business.

When is levy payable?

8. Levy is payable on the days prescribed by the regulations.

Regulations

9. The Governor-General may make regulations prescribing matters required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed.

[Minister's second reading speech made in—

House of Representatives on 2 February 1995

Senate on 28 February 1995]